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Last
Friday, Oregon unexpectedly lost one of its best. Senator Alan Bates died suddenly
along the banks of the Upper Rogue River, following an afternoon of fly fishing
with his son.
Alan was,
first and foremost, an accomplished physician. He maintained a busy family
practice, in Medford, for more than 30 years. He had earned the respect of his
patients, his medical colleagues and the entire community he served.
Senator
Bates represented that community in the Oregon Legislative Assembly for the
past 16 years. I was fortunate to serve with Alan in the Oregon Senate during
all three terms of my own political career.
“Doc Bates” worked hard to balance his
professional and political jobs. He saw patients at his Medford office, during
virtually every weekend, in order to be able to be in Salem when the
Legislative Assembly was in session.
He, too,
often made the four-hour trip down I-5 during the wee hours of the morning, or
late at night, in order to serve both careers. Perhaps burning the candle at
both ends finally caught up with this exceptional man.
Alan was
almost unique is his ability to separate his medical and political careers.
As a
doctor, he made his expertise and services readily available to everyone in
need, including legislators in both chambers, on both sides of the aisle. His
quick response and expert diagnosis was much appreciated by his colleagues and
actually saved the lives of more than one legislator.
As a state
Senator, he was passionate in his support for good medical services for the
state’s children and underserved communities. His second passion was his
untiring work to preserve the splendor of Oregon’s streams and rivers.
I sat
beside Doc Bates for several years, on both the full Ways and Means Committee
and the Emergency Board. We were constantly sharing notes and perspectives.
Although
members of different political parties, it was truly amazing how often Alan,
Gail and I agreed in principle on major political matters. Our colleagues often
sat dumbfounded as we publicly shared our collective support or opposition on
important issues.
Doctor
Alan Bates was a gentleman, a professional, a statesman and a genuinely nice
man. Gail and I were privileged to know him.
“Doc” can never
be replaced, and we already miss him terribly.
Best Regards,
Doug
Senate District 28
Email: Sen.DougWhitsett@state.or.us I Phone: 503-986-1728
Address: 900 Court St NE, S-311, Salem, OR, 97301
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/whitsett
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