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Oregon Senate adopts memorial honoring former Senate President Peter Courtney
Summary
The Oregon Senate unanimously adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 10 honoring the late Senate President Peter M.C. Courtney after members from both parties delivered extended tributes on the floor.
The Oregon Senate on March 28 adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 10, a memorial honoring former Senate President Peter Michael Coleman Courtney, following a series of tributes from current and former lawmakers and family members.
The resolution, carried by voice and recorded roll call, was adopted by a constitutional majority of the Senate. President Wagner closed debate by urging colleagues to join “in the fondest remembrance and celebration of the greatest state senator in the history of Oregon.”
Courtney, who served for decades in the Legislature, drew extended floor remarks from Senators across the political spectrum. Colleagues recounted personal stories that ranged from policy partnerships to informal moments on the campaign trail and in the Capitol. Several speakers credited Courtney with mentoring newer members, brokering deals across the aisle and using humor and personal outreach to build relationships that helped move legislation.
Senator Bonham, who delivered the primary floor memorial, described private conversations and encounters with Courtney and recalled having recorded a long-form interview with him. Bonham said that Courtney’s advice and personal interventions affected members’ lives beyond policy, recounting one instance where Courtney connected a family to oncologists at OHSU. Senator Bonham said, in part, that the connection “meant the world to us as a family.”
Other members gave examples of Courtney’s constituency work and personal character. Speakers recalled his quick wit, his willingness to meet with members across the aisle, his devotion to Oregon’s parks and communities, and lighter moments such as a recurring “goat-milking” anecdote that members invoked as evidence of his willingness to join in informal events.
Family members were on the floor during the memorial. Senate leadership announced an amendment that will name the new joint member lounge on the third floor of the Capitol the “Peter Michael Coleman Courtney member lounge”; that language is to be added in the House before the resolution is returned for concurrence.
The Senate’s recorded roll call on final passage showed 30 ayes; the resolution was declared adopted. The chamber then moved on to other memorials and business, including adoption of additional concurrent resolutions honoring other Oregonians.
Courtney’s memorial filled much of the Senate’s special orders for the day and drew sustained, bipartisan comments illustrating his long tenure and relationships inside the Capitol. The session concluded with Senate President Wagner inviting colleagues to remember Courtney’s public service and personal outreach as part of his legacy.
