03/08/10

BEND, Ore. -- An Oregon political veteran and current state treasurer lost his battle with lung cancer early Sunday morning. Ben Westlund was just 60.

He was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1996. In 2003, he was appointed to the Senate, then won that seat the next year. Westlund began his political career as a Republican, but often bucked his party. In fact, when he ran for governor in 2006, he ran as an Independent.

Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski released a statement about Westlund's death, saying -- in part -- "Oregon lost a leader, a friend and a member of our collective Oregon family, but his spirit and enthusiasm will continue to inspire the best in all of us."

"Ben was a leader, he was a statesman, not a politician that's what I'll always remember about him" remembers former staff member Jonathan Maton.

"Very sweet, funny, and powerful man," remembers Darrel Wilson, Executive Director of The Opprotunity Foundation.

Westlund lived on a ranch in Tumalo, he's survived by his wife and two children. "He was such a committed family man and I know it's a hard loss for them on a personal level and then right after that the state because he was a leader and Oregon lost a leader," says Maton.

"He was a consoment dealmaker, he knew how to pull people together from widely points of view and opinions and find common ground," says Wilson.

Westlund spent twelve years in the oregon legislature, as a republican, independent and democrat. He got a lot accomplished-- and worked for those who couldn't speak for themselves. "He said to me, years ago somebody said to me, a measure of a truly just society is a society that gives good care to its elderly, it's disabled, and its least fortunate persons," says Wilson.

It wasn't all work for Westlund, "It's a combative world in the political relm and he kept it fun," says Maton, "He had funny nicknames for people and it's a way of him, it's one of the ways he connected with everybody he made a personal connection with everybody he met."

Those hoping to fill westlunds seat have until Tuesday to file for the May primary.

A fund has been set up under Ben Westlund's name at all U.S. Bank Branches. The money will benefit the Opportunity Foundation which helps those with developmental disabilities-- a cause Westlund held close to his heart.

A memorial service is planned in Bend on Friday, another in the works to be held in Salem.