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Richard Oswald Eymann (February 3, 1919 – September 26, 2005) was an American businessman and politician in the state of Oregon. A native of Alberta, Canada, he served as an airman during World War II and then graduated from Dartmouth College. Eymann moved to Oregon where he would serve as a Democrat in the Oregon House of Representatives, including one session as Speaker.

Early life

Richard O. Eymann was born in 1919 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.[1] After service in the South Pacific Theater during World War II as an airman, he attended Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.[1] He graduated with a master's degree in business administration in 1947[2] and moved to Springfield, Oregon.[3]

In Oregon, he worked for Weyerhaeuser as an executive at their mill in Springfield.[3] Eymann married Juanita, and they had eight children; Richard, Ramona, Patricia, Carol, Katy, Deborah, Rebecca and Penelope.[3] Eymann would work for the Oregon State Tax Commission as executive secretary before entering politics.[3] He also helped to found McKenzie-Willamette Memorial Hospital in Springfield and was one of the original administrators at Lane Community College, later moving to the neighboring Mohawk Valley.[1]

Political career

In 1960, Eymann was elected as a Democrat to serve District 14 and Lane County in the Oregon House of Representatives.[4] He won re-election and served in the 1963 legislature, representing District 13 after reapportionment.[5] He was a delegate to the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.[6]

Eymann returned to the Oregon Legislative Assembly during the 1969 session.[7] He was re-elected in 1970 to the same seat,[8] and was elected again in 1972, but to District 44.[9] During the 1973 session he was elected as Speaker of the House, serving through the 1974 special session of the legislature.[10] He defeated Les AuCoin in the election for the Speakership.[11] During the session he served as Speaker the legislature passed many bills including the Oregon Shield Law, land use planning, and a bill to allow public employees to unionize.[1]

In 1974, Eymann lost his run at re-election to Republican Bill Rogers.[1] In 1986, he attempted to get the Democratic nomination to run against incumbent Bob Packwood for U.S. Senate after the primary winner dropped out, but lost out to Rick Bauman.[12] In 1992, Eymann tried to return to public office, running for Oregon State Treasurer.[13] Eymann won 27% of the vote in the May Democratic primary, losing to Jim Hill who also won in the November general election.[13]

Later years and family

In 1978, he assisted in the establishment of the Emerald People's Utility District, the publicly-owned power company serving the areas surrounding Springfield and Eugene. Eymann served on the board of the organization from founding until 2004.[3] His son Richard C. is an attorney in Spokane, Washington.[14] Daughter Ramona has served as the chief clerk for the Oregon House since 1985, while daughter Katy married Bill Bradbury.[3] Richard O. Eymann died on September 26, 2005, near Springfield at the age of 86.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Steves, David. "Former legislator, EPUD board member Dick Eyemann, 86, dies; Politics; Obituary", The Register-Guard, September 28, 2005, p. D1.
  2. ^ In Memoriam. Tuck Today, Spring 2006.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Wong, Peter. "Former Oregon House speaker Eymann dies at 86", Statesman Journal, September 28, 2005, p. 1C.
  4. ^ Oregon Legislators and Staff Guide: 1961 Regular Session (51st). Oregon State Archives. Retrieved on January 23, 2009.
  5. ^ Oregon Legislators and Staff Guide: 1963 Regular Session (52nd). Oregon State Archives. Retrieved on January 23, 2009.
  6. ^ Gargill, David; Hilary Elkins (August 2008). "The Mess We Made". GQ. 78 (8). Conde Nast Publications: 184. ISSN 0016-6979.
  7. ^ Oregon Legislators and Staff Guide: 1969 Regular Session (55th). Oregon State Archives. Retrieved on January 23, 2009.
  8. ^ Oregon Legislators and Staff Guide: 1971 Regular Session (56th). Oregon State Archives. Retrieved on January 23, 2009.
  9. ^ Oregon Legislators and Staff Guide: 1973 Regular Session (57th). Oregon State Archives. Retrieved on January 23, 2009.
  10. ^ Oregon Legislators and Staff Guide: 1974 Special Session (57th). Oregon State Archives. Retrieved on January 23, 2009.
  11. ^ Mapes, Jeff. "AuCoin, insider, vs. Lonsdale, challenger Oregon U.S. Senate race", The Oregonian, April 19, 1992, p. A1.
  12. ^ Towslee, Tom. "Two more Democrats dodge Packwood race", United Press International, August 22, 1986, PM cycle.
  13. ^ a b Hill, Gail Kinsey. "Kulongoski, Rodeman to face off in November", The Oregonian, May 21, 1992, p. G4.
  14. ^ Kirchmeier, Mark. "Demos heap praise on Foley during his visit to home state", The Oregonian, May 29, 1989, p. D5.
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