Oregon C&C Executive Director Resigns

posted by Eli D. Stutsman, JD on August 13, 2010

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George Eighmey was a member of the Oregon Legislature in 1997 when the Death with Dignity movement fought mightily against our opponents' effort to repeal Oregon's first-in-the-nation Death With Dignity Act. As a House member, George played a key role then, just as he has every day since he left public office to finesse the implementation of Oregon's law. George, more than any other person, has been responsible for the day-to-day success of the Oregon Death With Dignity Act.

We are very sorry to hear of George Eighmey's resignation. His letter announcing his departure is below.

Dear Friends,

At the end of this month I will complete my 12th full year as Executive Director of Compassion & Choices of Oregon (CCO), originally Compassion in Dying of Oregon. I have tried to follow the excellent leadership example set by Judith Fleming, who had the helm during the first nine months of Compassion's existence. Judith was my mentor and friend during my first few years. Her passing in 2008 was a huge loss for our movement and for me personally. I have decided that before "my day" arrives, I want to develop a new set of life objectives and see them through. It is time for me to go and let others improve upon what all of us have built.

My twelve years with this organization have been extremely rewarding. I was fortunate to meet hundreds of outstanding people, some of whom became close friends and confidants. Nancy, Mike, Teresa, Derianna, Kate, Yvonne, Justine, Helen, Eli, Robb, David, Derek, Linda, Cheryl and John are among them. But, for certain, all of you made my second career (after law) a rewarding and challenging one. You have given from your heart with passion and commitment to a worthy cause.

CCO is now the organization to turn to for terminally ill Oregonians who need guidance and comfort at the end of life. More than 1,600 have used CCO's services during the past 12 years. We now have three dozen volunteers throughout Oregon working with an average of fifty active clients per month. We have more than 120 clients who are not yet ready to complete the aid-in-dying process, but who will want our services when their time arrives. CCO has 35 advisory board and nine executive board members representing a cross section of our community. They all are working together to provide information on end-of-life options and support to those facing their final days.

They are also educating the medical community on the right of patients to die with dignity. In addition, CCO has attained relative financial security after going through several years of scraping by month to month. We all should be proud that CCO has earned such a high level of respect within Oregon and throughout the US. To all of you I give my sincere thanks.

On August 31, 2010 I will say goodbye to CCO knowing it is going to continue to be operated by exceptionally qualified people. On September 1, 2010 I will launch my final career - retirement. I hope to keep in touch with many of you, but even if our paths don't cross again, you will always have a special place in my heart and memories. I know I leave CCO in competent and compassionate hands.

So long. Warm Regards,

George Eighmey, Executive Director
Compassion & Choices of Oregon

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The greatest human freedom is to live, and die, according to one's own desires and beliefs. From advance directives to physician-assisted dying, death with dignity is a movement to provide options for the dying to control their own end-of-life care.

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