U.S. Congressman Greg Walden (R-Hood River) expressed his condolences this morning on the death of Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson, 69, who lost his battle with cancer Tuesday evening.
“I am so saddened to learn of Secretary of State Dennis Richardson’s passing,” Walden said in a statement this morning. “Dennis was such a kind, caring, and thoughtful friend. A wonderful public servant, and a deeply loving husband and parent. Dennis’ quiet competence and civility is such a rarity in today’s world. I feel blessed to have known and worked with him for so many years. Mylene and I are sending our prayers to Cathy and their children. Dennis served his country with honor and his body of work leaves Oregon better for the next generation.”
Oregon State Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) released the following statement:
“Oregon has lost a good and honorable man. Secretary Richardson loved this state and dedicated over 15 years of his career to moving Oregon forward. It was my privilege to serve alongside him in the Legislature. In addition to being a faithful servant to his state, Secretary Richardson was a tremendous husband, father and grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with the Richardson family.”
Richardson served in Vietnam as a combat helicopter pilot before embarking on a 30-year legal career and 19 years of public service.
Deputy Secretary of State Leslie Cummings released a statement praising Richardson’s service as secretary of state.
“As secretary of state, Dennis was fiercely dedicated to accomplishing the work the people of Oregon elected him to do,” Cummings said. “Upon taking the reins of this office in January 2017, Dennis’ visionary leadership built on the strengths of the 227 Secretary of State staff members. Together, Dennis and this dedicated team of public servants improved the program business practices of Audits, Elections, Archives, Corporations and Small Business, and the three Administrative Services Divisions of the agency. He also brought many professional and personal gifts and experience to this office. Dennis’ focus on transparency, accountability, and integrity coupled with his uncompromising work ethic inspired staff to ‘up their games’ to move mountains. He will be greatly missed.”
