EUGENE, OR -- Former Oregon Attorney General Dave Frohnmayer passed away Monday night after a near 6-year battle with prostate cancer. Frohnmayer served as Attorney General from 1981 until 1991. He ran for governor in 1990, losing to Barbara Roberts. He later became Dean of the University of Oregon law School, and was president of the university from 1994 until his retirement in 2009.
A family spokesperson says Frohnmayer passed away in his sleep Monday; he was 74.
Governor Kate Brown released the following statement on Frohnmayer's passing: "I am heartbroken at the loss of my wonderful and brilliant friend Dave Frohnmayer," said Governor Kate Brown. "His deep love of Oregon is reflected in a lifetime of leadership and public service. My thoughts and prayers go out to Lynn and the Frohnmayer family at this difficult time." Governor Brown has ordered all state flags to half-staff on the day of Mr. Frohnmayer's memorial service, the date of which has yet to be announced.
Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley: “I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Dave Frohnmayer’s passing today. His contributions throughout the state and especially in the Eugene community will forever be remembered. As a state legislator, Oregon’s Attorney General and longtime President at the University of Oregon he has impacted countless Oregonians and helped shape our state’s success. My heart goes out to the Fronhmayer family, and Mary and I will be holding them in our thoughts and prayers.”
Oregon House Republican Leader Mike Mclane: “It is with deep sadness that we learned today of the passing of Dave Frohnmayer. Dave’s vast contributions to the state of Oregon – as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives, as a former state Attorney General and as a former president of the University of Oregon – cement his legacy as a faithful public servant and advocate for the state and its people. On behalf of the House Republican Caucus, I extend our deepest sympathies to the Frohnmayer family.”
Oregon Congressman Greg Walden: “Dave Frohnmayer dedicated his life to improving the lives of others through his work in higher education, health research and public office. He was bright, independent, caring and unstoppable. I have fond memories of our many times together, from when I was a sophomore at the U of O and he was teaching law and serving in the Legislature, to hosting him at our home when he was running for governor on what turned out to be the day our son was born. My prayers go out to Lynn and his family as we all celebrate his wonderful life and mourn his passing.”
