Secretary of State Dennis Richardson passed away February 26, 2019 of complications from brain cancer. Dennis served Oregon as a city councilor, state representative, and Secretary of State. He was also a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving as a helicopter pilot.
Dennis Richardson entered his first political race when Oregon Right to Life PAC encouraged him to run against a pro-abortion incumbent. He ran because of his commitment to the life issue and, throughout his political career, he never wavered in his dedication to life.
During his years in the House of Representatives, he championed many pro-life proposals, including parental notification and a ban on the partial-birth abortion procedure. He served on the Ways and Means committee, becoming an expert on the state budget. He was named to the powerful position of co-chairman in 2011. He worked quietly behind the scenes to assure funding for programs for pregnant women.
As Secretary of State, Dennis elevated the audit function of the office, providing accountability and transparency to state government. Dennis is survived by his wife, Cathy, nine children and 31 grandchildren.
