Oregon State Senator Alan Bates dies at age 71
Oregon State Sen. Alan Bates, a physician and prominent voice for health care reform in the Oregon Legislature, died during a fishing trip on the Rogue River. He was 71.
The Medford Democrat died suddenly Friday while fly fishing with his son. The two had stopped to clean their fish off Highway 230 near Crater Lake, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's office. Bates walked down to the river. His son went looking for him about 10 minutes later and found him dead. Officials said Bates appeared to have suffered a "medical event."
Bates represented southern Oregon for 15 years and devoted much of his life to public service. He was first elected to the Oregon Senate in 2004, representing the District 3 communities of Medford, Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Jacksonville, Applegate and Ruch. He also served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2000 to 2004.
Before taking elected office, he was instrumental in designing and implementing the Oregon Health Plan as the chairman of the Health Services Commission. He also served on the Eagle Point School Board for 10 years.
Read more: http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/08/oregon_senator_alan_bates_dies.html
