Former Oregon Senator and 55th President of the Oregon Senate, Peter Courtney, passed away on July 16, 2024.
Known as the longest-serving legislator in our state’s history, Senator Courtney leaves a legacy of championing the health and growth of our city of Salem, as he helped direct millions of dollars to Salem-area projects over the course of his political career.
This week, we took some time to reflect on Senator Courtney’s legacy and his engagement with the Salem business community over the decades. Although our views didn’t always align with the late former Senator, he was always a welcome and respected voice in our community.
Last year, we had the honor of recognizing Senator Courtney with the Legacy of Leadership Award at the 72nd First Citizen Awards Banquet. Peter’s acceptance of this award captivated our audience with his candor, humor, and wisdom.
Click here to watch Senator Courtney’s incredible speech at the 2023 First Citizen Awards Banquet.