SALEM, Oregon — Bob Jenson, a Republican politician originally from Pendleton passed away on Saturday at the age of 86.

He served in the Oregon House of Representatives representing District 58, which encompasses Union County, Wallowa County, and portions of Umatilla County. District 58 includes the cities Pendleton, La Grande, and Enterprise. Jenson served in the Oregon House since 1997 until 2015. At the time of his retirement, as the member with the most seniority, he held the honorary title of Dean of the House.

“Bob Jenson served eastern Oregon thoughtfully, effectively and with great civility,” said Representative Greg Walden. “I valued his friendship and his counsel over the years as we worked together on federal and state issues. My prayers are with Evelyn and his family during this difficult time of loss.”

“It is with great sadness today that we learned of the passing of our friend and former colleague,” Bob Jenson, said House GOP Leader Mike McLane. “Bob spent nearly two decades serving our state as a member of the House of Representatives. He was a true illustration of what it means to be a servant leader, and was always someone who was willing to do what he thought was right, regardless of the political consequences. His family and friends are in our prayers today.”

“My prayers are with Bob’s wife Eveyln and the Jenson children today,” said House GOP Deputy Leader Greg Barreto. “For years, Bob stood as a pillar of our district. He gave so much to our friends and neighbors over the years, and will be remembered fondly by many. He was very helpful and generous when I first took office and was always very gracious with his time and encouragement. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know him and his family better once I became a legislator and am humbled to follow in his footsteps.”