Art: 1859

Don McIntire died today and Oregon is the poorer for his passing.

The gimlet eyed tax rebel was more than the father of Measure 5, a property tax measure reviled by the left–especially the Portland teachers union-he was a man who sought to make Oregon more equitable. For everyone.

He was found dead today at his Gresham home.

Don suffered from arrhythmia, but his official cause of death is not known. He was a swimmer and exercised often. And he also enjoyed a fine cigar and an occasional shot of whiskey.

Don had just come back earlier in the week from a ‘boy’s trip’ with his road buddies and had, as usual, the time of his life. There were plenty of war stories, laughing and scratching.

His close friend, Gregg Clapper, told me today that,

“Don was the best guy ever. He’s one of very few guys who did it [political involvement] for the right reasons. He wasn’t in it for the bucks or for power. He was in it to fight the shit heads. That’s why he did it.”

Lift a single malt and take a puff on your Padrone for Don McIntire today. And when you pay your taxes in Oregon in the next few months, do it again.