Remembering Bill Bradbury, an Environmental Champion

This April, Oregon lost an environmental hero.

Bill Bradbury’s countless accomplishments and the impact of his service forever changed our state for the better, and his relentless spirit inspired and touched the hearts of so many.

Through his decade-long service as Oregon’s Secretary of State, and before that as a state legislator, Bill led with positivity and collaboration.  OEC was honored to have Bill’s service as a board member, advocate, leader, and champion. He was a tireless advocate for Oregon, the environment, democracy, and community.

I first met Bill in 2010 when he was educating people on climate change after being one of the first 50 trained by Al Gore. He stayed connected to OEC and was always willing to jump into a meeting or provide legislative testimony. I last worked with him on advocacy for the 100% Clean Energy for All campaign in 2021, and I always appreciated and admired his signature positivity and enthusiasm. 

In remembering Bill’s life and legacy, the team at OEC wishes to lift up his many environmental accomplishments and share remembrances from those with whom he worked closely during his two terms of service as an OEC board member, from 2008-2009 and 2010-2015.

Bill’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire positive change.

– Jana Gastellum, OEC Executive Director

From KLCC:  Former Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury remembered for a lasting legacy and you can listen to a wonderful interview with Bill Bradbury from January 2022 about his climate work with Al Gore and his hopes and vision for the future. Listen here.

Remembrances

Bill Bradbury and Katy Eymann at OEC’s Celebrate Oregon

Bill Bradbury’s energy and commitment to protecting the climate and the environment was deep and rippled with impact. His passion and enthusiasm inspired so many, young and old, across Oregon, and he worked tirelessly for a better state and a better planet. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with Bill over the years, appreciate his leadership on the OEC board, and for his personal friendship. Oregon has lost a great leader and an even greater human.
– Andrea Durbin, former OEC Executive Director

I had the pleasure of serving with Bill during his tenure on the board. When Bill entered the room (often on his Segway) his spirit and effervescence filled the room and lifted you up. I always appreciated the indefatigable, can-do attitude he brought to the board. Bill was a selfless public servant dedicated to making Oregon a better place. He will be missed.
– Bill Boggess, former OEC Board member

Bill dedicated his life to public service in so many different capacities. He is probably the most totally upbeat person I have ever been associated with. He was an inspiration to me. He was active in forming DemoForum in 1969 in the period when Oregon changed—with OEC being formed and progressive leadership emerging.
– Rick Gustofson, former OEC Board President

As everyone will attest, Bill was notable for his passion for Oregon, his amazing optimism, and his contagious and gentle humor—with a guffaw to match his height. Bill was one of the inspiring ones we all hope to emulate. Oregon is a much better place for his time on Earth. Travel far and safely, Secretary.
– Rex Burkholder, former OEC Board member

My friend Bill Bradbury combined smarts and decency to exemplify the best of what it means to be a public servant, always working to make his beloved Oregon an even better place for everybody to live and work.
– Senator Ron Wyden, via Twitter

Bill Bradbury may be gone, but he leaves behind a legacy in Oregon that will endure for generations to come.
– Senator Jeff Merkley, via Twitter

Bill Bradbury and I first met when we both lived in Bandon in 1978. I lost the Democratic Primary for OR House District 48 that year. Bill won the seat in 1980 and went on to have a storied career in the OR House, the Oregon Senate, as Senate Majority Leader, and as OR Secretary of State. And, of course, we served together on the OEC Board, and Bill was an environmental champion throughout his career. Bill was Oregon’s version of the Unsinkable Molly Brown—no matter what health adversities he and his wonderful bride, Katy Eymann, faced over the years, his cheerfulness and steadfast optimism inspired many, many people and lifted up our state. It was a great privilege to be among his large host of loyal friends.
– Mark T. Waller, former OEC Board member

I first met Bill when he and John [Kitzhaber] were running for the House for the first time. I remember his dedication to justice, good policy and the environment, as acknowledged by his nickname, the “Big Chinook”. And of course his love of the outdoors; even well after his MS was diagnosed, he still rafted with us and piloted his own kayak on streams as challenging as the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho. A ten-day trip with hot springs, big rapids, and of course, a tot or two of Wild Turkey in camp. One of the funniest debate moments in the Senate was when Bill, who was carrying a controversial bill that had legitimate questions about its constitutionality, said, “And Mr. President, I can assure you, we have made this bill as constitutional as possible!” It didn’t work. We shared many high-pressure moments during the sine die process of ending a legislative session and long walks across the rotunda from the Senate to the Speaker’s office to hash out strategies that would bring the session to a close with as much progress made as possible. Lastly, I remember his laugh. It is sad to think that it now only echoes in our memories.
– Mark Gibson, former Chief of Staff under Gov. Kitzhaber