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83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2025 Regular Session
Enrolled
Senate Concurrent Resolution 29
Sponsored by Senator GOLDEN, Representatives MARSH, MCINTIRE; Representatives RESCHKE,
WALLAN
Whereas William D. “Bill” Thorndike, Jr., was a lifelong champion of Southern Oregon, a dedi-
cated civic leader and a visionary business and education advocate; and
Whereas Bill Thorndike was born on December 15, 1953, as a third-generation resident of Rogue
Valley, and throughout his lifetime, he exemplified the highest standards of integrity, leadership and
service to his community and the people of the State of Oregon; and
Whereas Bill Thorndike was a steadfast advocate for higher education, serving as the inaugural
chair of the Southern Oregon University (SOU) Board of Trustees, guiding the institution with wis-
dom and vision through multiple terms and earning the distinguished SOU President’s Medal for his
outstanding service; and
Whereas Bill Thorndike’s leadership extended to business and industry as the longtime president
and chairman of Medford Fabrication, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening Oregon’s
economy through innovation and international trade, earning recognition as the United States Small
Business Administration’s Exporter of the Year in 1990; and
Whereas Bill Thorndike demonstrated a profound commitment to civic engagement, serving on
nearly 60 boards and committees at the local, state and national levels, including leadership roles
with the Chamber of Medford & Jackson County, the Oregon Business Council, the Oregon Com-
munity Foundation, the Crater Lake National Park Trust, the Federal Reserve Bank of San
Francisco Portland Branch and many more; and
Whereas Bill Thorndike was honored with numerous accolades throughout his lifetime, including
the Glenn L. Jackson Leadership Award, the Tom McCall Leadership Award, the JCCSC Person of
the Decade Award, the Chamber of Medford & Jackson County First Citizen Award and the Resolve
Imagine Award, reflecting his unwavering commitment to Oregon’s prosperity, sustainability and
civic well-being; and
Whereas Bill Thorndike was a devoted philanthropist, playing a key role in securing funding for
vital community projects such as the United Way of Jackson County’s permanent headquarters,
where the auditorium now bears his name; and
Whereas Bill Thorndike passed away at his family cabin on February 14, 2025, after a
Valentine’s Day spent with his beloved wife, Angela Littlefield Thorndike; and
Whereas Bill Thorndike is survived by his wife, Angela, his brothers Dan and David, his nieces
and nephews Camila, Isabella, Trevor, Anna and Thomas, his many cousins and his beloved dogs and
horses; and
Whereas Bill Thorndike left an indelible mark on Oregon, uplifting countless individuals and
communities and shaping the future of this state through his leadership in education, business,
public service and philanthropy, and his remarkable impact will be felt for generations to come; now,
therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon:
That we, the members of the Eighty-third Legislative Assembly, recognize and honor William
D. “Bill” Thorndike, Jr., for his exemplary life of service to the people of the State of Oregon, and
we express our deepest gratitude for his immeasurable contributions to this state; and be it further
Enrolled Senate Concurrent Resolution 29 (SCR 29-INTRO)Page 1
Resolved, That a copy of this resolution shall be presented to the family of Bill Thorndike as
an expression of our sympathy and condolences.
Adopted by Senate May 7, 2025
Obadiah Rutledge, Secretary of Senate
Rob Wagner, President of Senate
Adopted by House June 5, 2025
Julie Fahey, Speaker of House
Enrolled Senate Concurrent Resolution 29 (SCR 29-INTRO) Page 2