The renaming ceremony for Oregon’s primary secure psychiatric facility in honor of former Senate President Peter Courtney was scheduled before the news of his death at age 81 broke on Tuesday. Courtney had served in the Oregon Legislature for 38 years, spending time in both the House and the Senate, and was known for his honesty and ability to reach across the aisle. The Oregon State Hospital was renamed the “Peter Courtney Salem Campus of the Oregon State Hospital” at the ceremony. Courtney was instrumental in the renovation of the hospital in 2011, which included a memorial for the unclaimed remains of former patients. Following his death, reflections from his former colleagues and Oregon leaders poured in, with Governor Tina Kotek and other lawmakers praising his dedication to public service and his impact on the state. Senators Rob Wagner and Kathleen Taylor, as well as U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and Representative Julie Fahey, all shared their condolences and memories of Courtney. Larry Campbell, a former Oregon House speaker, also paid tribute to Courtney’s legacy and impact on Oregon’s political landscape. The loss of Courtney was felt deeply across the state, with many mourning the passing of a true champion for Oregon and its people.
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