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The Pacific Green Party is saddened to announce the passing of our long-time member, and a giant of the environmental movement, Stu Sugarman. Stu was first and foremost an activist. He was also a lawyer with a giant heart, a quick wit and a sly and self-deprecating sense of humor. |
As an attorney, Stu represented scores of protesters arrested for non-violent civil disobedience and arranged representation for hundreds more. He represented forest activists, members of Occupy and people who took to the streets to protest against U.S. military involvement. As a litigator and as a volunteer, Stu was also active in fighting chemical incineration at the Umatilla Weapons Depot and in protecting Oregon's desert and forests. He served for many years on the Board of the Oregon Wildlife Federation. Most of his law practice was devoted to these issues as well as to defending impoverished Oregonians who were accused of crimes and who could not afford to hire an attorney.
Over the years, Stu had been approached a number of times to run for Attorney General as a Pacific Green Party candidate. He always politely and humorously declined.
It is hard to imagine that there has been another individual in the history of Oregon who has done as much to advocate for the rights of citizens to engage in non-violent civil disobedience.
The loss is immeasurable.
A Celebration of Stu's Life will take place on Thursday, March 31, 6 pm, at Laurelhurst Park in Portland (picnic area "E")
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