Remembering Ben Westlund

Portland, Oregon--

I think it was Ben Westlund's enormous humanity and the openness with which he shared his feelings, his sincerity, that made him larger than life, so widely respected and so effective as a legislator and as a public servant.

I remember watching his House speech when he shared his cancer diagnosis with us all. It was one of the singular, most remarkable events that took place in a legislative session during my six years as a Senate staffer.

I hope that the video of Ben's speech becomes widely seen and appreciated as we consider the life and achievements of this great Oregonian, and as we consider how the State as a whole should move forward.

Ben, you left us too soon.

Here’s the link to Ben’s “Return from the hospital” speech:

http://www.benwestlund.com/