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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Respected Medford firefighter's life cut short by 2010 Oak Knoll fire ... John Thiry, from Oak Knoll to today ... Taking it to the top ... Respected Medford firefighter's life cut short by 2010 Oak Knoll fire ... John Thiry, from Oak Knoll to today ... Taking it to the top ... GUEST OPINION Guest Opinion: Bates was one of the best Comment By Doug Whitsett and Gail Whitsett MailTribune.com By Doug Whitsett and Gail Whitsett Posted Aug. 14, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Doug Whitsett and Gail Whitsett Posted Aug. 14, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Last Friday, Oregon unexpectedly lost one of its best. Sen. Alan Bates died suddenly along the banks of the Upper Rogue River, following an afternoon of fly fishing with his son. Alan was, first and foremost, an accomplished physician. He maintained a busy family practice in Medford for more than 30 years. He had earned the respect of his patients, his medical colleagues and the entire community he served. Senator Bates represented that community in the Oregon Legislative Assembly for the past 16 years. I was fortunate to serve with Alan in the Oregon Senate during all three terms of my own political career. “Doc” Bates worked hard to balance his professional and political jobs. He saw patients at his Medford office, during virtually every weekend, in order to be able to be in Salem when the Legislature was in session. He, too, often made the four-hour trip down Interstate 5 during the wee hours of the morning, or late at night, in order to serve both careers. Perhaps burning the candle at both ends finally caught up with this exceptional man. Alan was almost unique in his ability to separate his medical and political careers. As a doctor, he made his expertise and services readily available to everyone in need, including legislators in both chambers, on both sides of the aisle. His quick response and expert diagnosis was much appreciated by his colleagues and actually saved the lives of more than one legislator. As a state senator, he was passionate in his support for good medical services for the state’s children and underserved communities. His second passion was his untiring work to preserve the splendor of Oregon’s streams and rivers. I sat beside Doc Bates for several years, on both the full Ways and Means Committee and the Emergency Board. We were constantly sharing notes and perspectives. Although members of different political parties, it was truly amazing how often Alan, Gail and I agreed in principle on major political matters. Our colleagues often sat dumbfounded as we publicly shared our collective support or opposition on important issues. Dr. Alan Bates was a gentleman, a professional, a statesman and a genuinely nice man. Gail and I were privileged to know him. “Doc” can never be replaced, and we already miss him terribly. Sen. Doug Whitsett and Rep. Gail Whitsett of Klamath Falls represent Senate District 28 and House District 56 in the Oregon Legislature. By Doug Whitsett and Gail Whitsett MailTribune.com By Doug Whitsett and Gail Whitsett Posted Aug. 14, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501