Oregon State Sen. Alan Bates, a physician and prominent voice for health care reform in the Oregon Legislature, died during a fishing trip on the Rogue River. He was 71.

The Medford Democrat died suddenly Friday while fly fishing with his son. The two had stopped to clean their fish off Highway 230 near Crater Lake, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's office. Bates walked down to the river. His son went looking for him about 10 minutes later and found him dead. Officials said Bates appeared to have suffered a "medical event."

Bates represented southern Oregon for 15 years and devoted much of his life to public service. He was first elected to the Oregon Senate in 2004, representing the District 3 communities of Medford, Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Jacksonville, Applegate and Ruch. He also served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2000 to 2004.

Before joining the Legislature, he was instrumental in designing and implementing the Oregon Health Plan as the chairman of the Health Services Commission. He also served on the Eagle Point School Board for 10 years.

"Alan was a close friend, a statesman, and a doctor who was deeply committed to ensuring that every Oregonian had access to health care," Gov. Kate Brown said in a statement. "He left an indelible impression on Oregon, and I will miss him forever."

Bates was a family practitioner in Medford for more than 30 years. He'd served as the chief of medicine at Rogue Regional Medical Center and Providence Medical Center, as well as on the board of Asante Physician Partners.

Sharon Javna, who worked with Bates on his campaigns, said that the senator often saw patients on weekends after working a full week at the Capitol. Despite how busy he was, though, he always seemed to have time for everyone, she said.

"I know him to be the most kind person and the most compelling politician I've ever met," Javna said. "He was the real thing... It's a terrible loss for the whole state."

His Senate colleagues said he was known for his ability to bring opposing sides together.

"He was a thoughtful and even-handed leader who always brought keen perspectives from his profession as a physician, along with his deep love of the Rogue Valley and the state of Oregon," Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick said. "We are grateful to have been able to call him a colleague and a friend."

Colleagues remember Sen. Alan Bates

"Doc Bates was much beloved by his community and everyone in the legislature...Doc Bates' spirit and legacy will live on in the Oregon Legislature every day that we show up with a heart of service ready to do what it takes to improve the lives of all Oregonians." -- House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson, D-Portland

"Alan was a good man, a wonderful friend, and a powerful voice in the legislature. It was a pleasure to serve with him. His leadership and expertise will be deeply missed." -- U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon

"I'm heart broken. Alan Bates was my colleague and friend, and a great man. He worked so hard, he cared so much, and he helped so many people as a doctor, a school board member, a state senator and a leader for our community and our state. A great man. I will miss him more than I can possibly say." -- Rep. Peter Buckley, D-Ashland

"I have watched Senator Bates pour his heart and soul into helping others. As a doctor and legislator, Alan succeeded mightily in making people's lives better -- a rich legacy that I remember as I mourn the sad news of his passing." -- U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon

Bates' two callings crossed paths on occasion.

In June 2015, he rushed to the aid of a Republican colleague who has having chest pains. A week later, Sen. Alan Olsen credited Bates with saving his life during an emotional speech on the Senate floor.

"Forever I'll have to wear this around my neck, like an albatross," Bates joked later. "I saved a Republican."

Once, during a legislative session, Associated Oregon Industries lobbyist John Ledger showed up for a meeting with Bates while he was sick. Bates listened to his chest with a stethoscope, and told him that he had a bronchitis and needed to go home immediately.

Bates will be missed greatly, Senate President Peter Courtney said.

"What are we going to do without Doc? He was always there to take care of us and all of Oregon," Courtney said in a statement. "We relied on him. He saved lives. Along with his family, we are stunned and we are sad."

According to his Senate biography, Bates was a U.S. Army veteran who did a tour in Vietnam. He completed medical school at the Kansas City College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Though shocked by his sudden passing, Bates' family said in a statement Saturday that they "took comfort in the fact that he passed after a day of doing something he loved: fly fishing with his son.

"We will always think of him when we hear the sound of the river, feel the summer sunlight and see a fly line cast upon the water."

-- Samantha Matsumoto

smatsumoto@oregonian.com

503-294-4001