Former Republican lawmaker Vic Gilliam, who served a decade in the Oregon House of Representatives, died Thursday at age 66, about five years after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an incurable neurological disorder better known as ALS.
Known for his humor, bipartisanship and Christian faith, Gilliam was regarded as a statesman with an irrepressible grin, and lawmakers were quick to recall him fondly as they learned of his death.
Senate Republican Leader Fred Girod of Stayton served in the House with Gililam, and the two represented adjoining districts. “Never one to back down from a challenge, Vic had a heart for service and was dedicated to all Oregonians,” Girod said in a statement. “His famous smile and good-nature earned him friends across the state, and he will be forever missed by me and many others.”
House Speaker Tina Kotek spoke of their parallel experiences and his actor’s good looks in remembering her former colleague.
“Vic and I entered the Legislature together in the class of 2007, and we enjoyed serving together in the House Human Services Committee that first session. Whether it was fighting to protect seniors from abuse or trying to convince us to get behind hydrogen fuel technology, Vic always brought his charm and conviction to the table. Vic would smile at being remembered as the best-looking and funniest guy in the Legislature. Although ALS took away his physical strength, his servant heart and sense of humor never waned over the last five years.”
The Oregonian/OregonLive’s legislative reporter, Ian Kullgren, described Gilliam this way: “sport coats, crisp white shirts, ties and shined loafers. He has a chiseled jawline and a presidential helmet of dark hair. He used to moonlight as an actor. One of his last roles saw him on ‘Portlandia’ as Fred Armisen’s uncle.”
Gilliam resigned from the Legislature at the end of January 2017, saying his illness had left him unable to perform to his own standards. Before he left, he had to rely on a cane and his speech was slurred. Still, in his characteristic way, he said, “Even how I am now, I sound three times better than most Democrats,” Kullgren wrote in 2016.
Rep. Rick Lewis was appointed to fill Gilliam’s seat and was elected to it in 2018.
Senate Majority Leader Rob Wagner, a Lake Oswego Democrat, knew Gilliam when he served as a lobbyist before being elected to the Legislature. He said in a statement, “Representative Vic Gilliam was a tremendous man. He approached life with grace, humor and bravado. He approached lawmaking with integrity, dignity and, again, humor. ... He was truly one of the funniest people I have met in my life, an amazing spirit. Representative Gilliam reset the mold of what it means to be a statesman. He was a fantastic public servant, he was honest and kind and incredibly loyal. He adored his family, he cared deeply for his friends, and he endlessly sought to improve the lives of all Oregonians. His motivation stemmed from a desire to serve others and to help those in need. He did so much for Oregon and always kept a smile on his face.”
Gilliam is survived by his wife Becky and their children.
-- Betsy Hammond; betsyhammond@oregonian.com; @OregonianPol
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