SCR 206

83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2026 Regular Session
  Enrolled
  Senate Concurrent Resolution 206
Sponsored by Senators WAGNER, FREDERICK, MANNING JR, ANDERSON, BROADMAN,
   CAMPOS, GELSER BLOUIN, GORSEK, JAMA, LIEBER, MEEK, NERON MISSLIN,
   PATTERSON, PROZANSKI, SMITH DB, SOLLMAN, TAYLOR, Representatives NELSON,
   NGUYEN D, RIEKE SMITH; Senators DRAZAN, GIROD, GOLDEN, HAYDEN, LINTHICUM,
   MCLANE, NASH, PHAM K, REYNOLDS, ROBINSON, STARR, THATCHER, WEBER, Repre-
   sentatives ANDERSEN, EVANS, GAMBA, ISADORE, LEWIS, WATANABE (Presession filed.)
    Whereas state Senator Aaron Lionel Woods was born in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the
South Side of Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 1949, to Elizabeth and John Woods; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods was the third of five children, and he attended McCosh Elementary
School and graduated from Lindblom Technical High School; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods had aspirations of becoming a dentist, but he instead enlisted in the
United States Army in 1968; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods proudly served his country with honor and distinction for six years as
part of the U.S. Army Strategic Communications Command; and
    Whereas overseas postings in Germany and Southeast Asia allowed Aaron Woods to travel and
see the world during his military career; and
    Whereas following his military service, Aaron Woods built a distinguished career in technology,
eventually settling in Oregon, where he spent many years as a senior executive at Xerox Corpo-
ration and Tektronix; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods’ volunteer efforts included serving on boards such as Digitunity, an or-
ganization dedicated to ensuring equitable access to technology for underserved communities, and
the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), which works to advance the tech
industry’s standards and education; and
    Whereas through his volunteer service, Aaron Woods worked tirelessly to bridge the digital di-
vide and expand career and technical education programs to meet industry demands and support
community growth; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods earned an Associate of Applied Science degree from South Suburban
College and both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration degree from
Marylhurst University; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods’ outstanding contributions were recognized through numerous prestigious
awards, including induction into the CompTIA IT Industry Hall of Fame, acknowledging his signif-
icant impact on the technology industry, and the Tech America Champion Award, highlighting his
advocacy for innovation and his community leadership; and
    Whereas after retiring, Aaron Woods’ dedication to his community only grew stronger, and he
served in several important roles, including on the Wilsonville Development Review Board
(2013-2018), the Wilsonville Planning Commission (2020-2022) and the Clackamas Community College
Board of Directors (2019-2025); and
    Whereas Aaron Woods’ commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was evident in his active
leadership with the Wilsonville Alliance for Inclusive Community and the Wilsonville DEI Explora-
tory Group; and
    Whereas in 2022, Aaron Woods was elected to the Oregon Senate as a Democrat representing
the people of District 13; and
Enrolled Senate Concurrent Resolution 206 (SCR 206-INTRO)  Page 1
    Whereas Aaron Woods was renowned in the Senate for his sense of humor and his irrepressible
optimism, but he was also widely respected for his keen political instincts, pragmatic leadership and
creative problem solving; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods considered himself a centrist—a legislator who held moderate views and
often sought the middle ground in policy deliberations, working tirelessly to bridge political divides;
and
    Whereas Aaron Woods was a quiet and humble statesman who didn’t require big speeches or
big headlines to affect policy and people; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods was deeply committed to serving all Oregonians, and he passionately
championed critical issues of vital importance to the people of this state; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods’ legacy extends into the many policy areas he helped shape with his vi-
sion and advocacy, which include expanding affordable housing, increasing broadband access, en-
hancing cybersecurity protections and addressing the thoughtful integration and ethical implications
of artificial intelligence; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods was dedicated to strengthening STEM education, recognizing its crucial
role in preparing future generations for success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 19, 2025; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods lost his courageous battle with cancer, but he lived his life with passion
and purpose, and he left it with great dignity; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods was predeceased by his parents; his older brothers, Warren and George;
and his beloved wife of 43 years, Shirley; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods was survived by his five children, Patrice, Aaron Jr., John, Kimone
(Fidel) and Kara (David); seven grandchildren, Broderick, Ashia, Christian, J’den, Nala, Olivia and
Ava; sister, Angela; brother, Alonzo; and uncle, John Strickland (Joan); and
    Whereas Aaron Woods died while serving in office as state Senator, working tirelessly for the
people of this state; and
    Whereas Aaron Woods was a dedicated public servant and a visionary leader whose life’s
mission was to bring technology and opportunity within reach for everyone; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon:
    That we, the members of the Eighty-third Legislative Assembly, honor and celebrate the re-
markable life and achievements of state Senator Aaron Lionel Woods, and we express our sincere
and abiding gratitude for his service to this state; and be it further
    Resolved, That a copy of this resolution shall be presented to the family of Aaron Woods as an
expression of our sympathy and condolences.
Enrolled Senate Concurrent Resolution 206 (SCR 206-INTRO)  Page 2
  Adopted by Senate February 20, 2026
  Obadiah Rutledge, Secretary of Senate
  Rob Wagner, President of Senate
  Adopted by House March 3, 2026
  Julie Fahey, Speaker of House
Enrolled Senate Concurrent Resolution 206 (SCR 206-INTRO)  Page 3