Portland Commissioner Nick Fish, who was the longest tenured member on Portland City Council, has died after a two-year battle with stomach cancer.
Oregon lawmakers and colleagues are reacting to his death.
Gov. Kate Brown said she'll always remember Fish for his kindness.
Nick Fish was a devoted public servant, and a true leader who cared so deeply about serving the people of Portland. An advocate for our environment, and a champion for the homeless. I will always remember his kindness. Dan and my thoughts are with his family.
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) January 3, 2020
Mayor Ted Wheeler said that Fish was instrumental in shaping Portland for the better.
We are mourning the loss of Commissioner Nick Fish. All of us who knew Nick understood how much he cared about his family, the City, and his team.
— Mayor Ted Wheeler (@tedwheeler) January 3, 2020
Rep. Earl Blumenauer said that losing Fish was a profound shock.
The passing of @CommishFish is a profound shock. Nick was a dedicated public servant who continued his service as he waged a courageous battle against cancer. We honor that service as we mourn his loss. My deepest sympathy to his family.
— Earl Blumenauer (@repblumenauer) January 3, 2020
Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley said that Fish left a great legacy and will be missed.
My heart breaks for Portland & all of @CommishFish’s friends, family, & constituents. He dedicated his life to the city & it was an honor to work w/ him on issues like housing, which was close to his heart & impacted 1000’s of families. He left a great legacy & we will miss him. https://t.co/fbsid5wOyO
— Senator Jeff Merkley (@SenJeffMerkley) January 3, 2020
Former Mayor Sam Adams said that Portland was lucky to have had Fish as a leader.
Rest In Peace my friend. You did good, you did very good. Portland and much more is better for your work. Big hug and support to your family in the face of this terrible loss. I feel lucky to have known you. Portland is lucky to have had you as a leader. https://t.co/Qo47j0d5t7
— Former Portland Mayor Sam Adams (@SamAdamsPDX) January 3, 2020
Such a tragedy. Nick Fish served our community until the very end with dignity and graces and class. He will he missed. #RestInPeace https://t.co/3z1BaPb3Fg
— Val Hoyle (@ValHoyle) January 3, 2020
Nick Fish was a champion for affordable housing, environmental protection, good governance and so much more. He was ready to keep giving as long as he could. He was my mentor as his chief of staff, and later friend. I will miss him. https://t.co/gL7r8l37UP
— Sam Chase (@gsamchase) January 3, 2020
Fellow Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty said that she's always respected Fish's deep commitment and tenacity as a public servant.
I'm very saddened to hear of Commish Fish's passing earlier today. I’ve known Nick for decades, and while our time as colleagues on council was briefer than expected, I have always respected his deep commitment & tenacity as a public servant, especially as he managed his illness. https://t.co/h8ilQUBIWM
— Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty (@JoAnnPDX) January 3, 2020
I’m devastated to hear about the death of Portland Commissioner Nick Fish. Nick was one of the kindest and most authentic people I’ve known.
— Suzanne Bonamici (@RepBonamici) January 3, 2020