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Oregon Senate honors Sen. Aaron Woods with tributes from colleagues
Summary
The Oregon Senate paused its business to offer courtesies and tributes to the family of the late state Sen. Aaron Woods. Colleagues from both parties recalled his public service, wartime service and personal warmth; the chamber stood at ease while the family was escorted.
The Oregon Senate paused its business to honor the life and public service of state Sen. Aaron Woods as colleagues delivered tributes and extended courtesies to his family on the Senate floor.
Senators from both parties described Woods as a pragmatic lawmaker, a veteran and a presence who made colleagues feel welcome. Pastor Tom Murray of the People’s Church in Salem opened the session with a prayer that acknowledged the family and asked for wisdom for lawmakers. Several senators then offered personal remarks and memories.
Senator Lieber said Woods “taught this body a lot about what it is to both live with purpose and to how to die with dignity,” and thanked the family for sharing him with the Legislature. Senator Brock Smith described Woods as “one of the strongest men I knew” and recalled their trip to Taiwan as an example of Woods’s work and engagement on trade and economic issues important to southwestern Oregon.
Other senators highlighted Woods’s bipartisan work and private mentorship. Senator Meek and Senator McLean recounted shared meals and conversations where Woods bridged divides; Senator Bonham described Woods as “a true statesman” who brought business experience and pragmatism to the chamber. Senator Gelser Bluhin and Senator Manning Jr. described Woods’s humor, kindness and quiet, steady presence.
Senate President Wagner thanked the family for traveling to Salem and said Woods’s name would remain on the brass nameplate affixed to the desk in the chamber, a permanent recognition of his service. The Senate stood at ease while Woods’s family was escorted from the floor.
Procedurally, the Senate resumed business after the courtesies. The clerk later called the roll and the body proceeded with routine messages and calendar housekeeping.
The tributes focused on Woods’s record of public service, his personal warmth, and his efforts to bring people together across the chamber. Colleagues repeatedly described him as thoughtful, pragmatic and widely admired.
Less-critical, forward-looking details: senators noted that family members were present from Colorado and Illinois and invited colleagues to visit the family on the second floor; the Senate planned to continue its calendar work after the courtesies concluded.
