Former long-time Oregon Rep. Bob Jenson dead at 86
Connor Radnovich
Bob Jenson, former long-time state representative for eastern Oregon, died this weekend at the age of 86.
Jenson was first elected to the Oregon House in 1997 as a Democrat, a year later switching to Independent, and soon after again changing his affiliation to the Republican party.
"Rep. Jenson was the rare legislator that worked well with everyone he met," said Sen. Jackie Winters, R-Salem, in a statement. "He made a tremendous contribution to his district and to the state of Oregon, and he will be dearly missed."
He served in the House until 2015 and stepped down as the most-senior member of the body. His district encompassed Union County, Wallowa County and portions of Umatilla County.
"I served with Bob in the House. He always worked hard to represent eastern Oregon," said Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, in a statement. "He was a gentleman and statesman. He was a role model for many of his colleagues. I am saddened by his passing."
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