Remembering Mark Hatfield
One of Oregon’s most admired statesman, former Governor and Senator Mark O. Hatfield passed away on August 7th, 2011 in Portland. He was 89-years-old. Business and political leaders are remembering the much loved, moderate Republican that won the hearts of this mostly liberal state. Select statements follow:
OHSU President Joe Robertson: ”Sen. Hatfield was a man of conviction and vision who left his mark on many of us here at Oregon Health & Science University. He led the charge to fund medical research and helped transform OHSU into a leading health and science university. The School of Nursing, the Vollum Institute for Biomedical Research, the Hatfield Research Center and the skybridge that links OHSU with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center are all examples of investments he championed that have brought healing, teaching, discovery and outreach together at OHSU. We will miss his wisdom and courage.”
Republican leader and businessman Allen Alley: “The entire state is saddened to hear of the passing of Mark O. Hatfield, a quintessential Oregonian and a true national statesman. In his exemplary career as Republican U.S. Senator, Governor, Secretary of State and State Representative, he will be remembered for his courage and conscience in a life of public service for the people of Oregon and the country. In five decades of service, Mark Hatfield rose to be the ‘greatest generation’s’ greatest Oregon leader. He set a high standard for personal conduct, leadership and ability to work across party lines to solve problems and find balanced solutions. The Oregon Republican Party and all Oregonians mourn the loss of this Oregon statesman. We offer our condolences to Antoinette and members of the Hatfield family.”
Senator Jeff Merkley: “I am deeply saddened to hear about Senator Hatfield’s death. Senator Hatfield took courageous positions of conscience — from opposing the Vietnam War to advocating for the abolition of the death penalty – in the face of substantial political opposition. He inspired many to public service, encouraging them to work to do what is right rather than what is convenient or popular. Senator Hatfield played an enormous role in making Oregon what it is today. His hands were at work in the development of so many institutions we treasure as Oregonians, from the Oregon Health and Sciences University, to the Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, to the Opal Creek Wilderness, to name just a few. He should also be remembered, in this age of bitter partisanship, for his bipartisan and gracious diplomacy. I have greatly admired Senator Hatfield since I had the chance to be one of the hundreds of interns he hosted over his decades of public service. Tonight, a great man has passed from among us and we will miss him greatly. Mary and I will be holding his wife and partner Antoinette and his family in our prayers.”
Senator Patty Murray of Washington: “When I was first elected, Senator Hatfield and Senator Byrd invited me to lunch to help me get acclimated to the Senate and the Appropriations Committee. They talked to me about the great traditions of civility, and about the need for members to put politics aside to work together for the good of our country. I vividly remember the bipartisan hearing we held in Portland on the Columbia River Crossing, and I learned first-hand from Senator Hatfield that public servants are most effective when they put their states and their constituents above their party and politics. Senator Hatfield not only talked about serving his country, he lived it. For five decades he dedicated himself to public service, and his state and our region will reap the benefits of his life’s work for generations to come.”
Governor John Kitzhaber: ”No one has had a more profound impact on Oregon in the last half century than Mark Hatfield. We’ve lost a true statesman whose legacy lives on in his countless contributions to Oregon’s quality of life. Senator Hatfield’s moral compass, independence and willingness to reach across the aisle are an inspiration to me and countless Oregonians.”
Former Senator Gordon Smith: ”History should record that Mark O. Hatfield was Oregon’s greatest public servant of the 20th century. If Oregon had a Mt. Rushmore for its public servants, Senator Hatfield would be on it. His uniquely independent voice allowed him to represent the best interests of Oregonians even though, at times, his conscience led him to tack into the political winds as a statesman. The day I was sworn in as a U.S. senator, he said to me ‘If you are faithful to your family and your God, you’ll do right by your country.” Clearly, this is a creed Mark lived by. Senator Hatfield built his legacy by staying true to his beliefs, even if that meant standing alone. While I have lost a friend and a valued mentor, Oregon and our nation have lost a dedicated public servant and a true gentleman.”
Senator Ron Wyden: “Oregon has lost a great son. The United States Senate has lost one of its former giants. The nation has lost a man who represented honesty and decency. And I have lost a very good friend. Senator Hatfield was a colleague and friend to many who still serve in the United States Senate and he was a hero to a generation of Oregonians who came to admire him for his independence and principles. We will remember him as someone who was universally respected and whose word was his bond. Senator Hatfield was never one to be driven by party affiliation or ideological litmus tests. He was religious but not intolerant. Idealistic but not naïve. A politician but not partisan. He was willing to stand alone, but never one to grandstand. I know that all Oregonians join me in offering condolences to his wife, Antoinette, and his four children, Elizabeth, Mark Jr., Theresa and Visko.”
