The labor movement mourned the loss of a Eugene activist leader
last month. Lucy Lahr, age 45, was killed Oct. 18 by a hit-and-run
driver as she was crossing a street in Eugene with her long-time
partner Susan Wehner outside Sacred Heart Medical Center. Wehner
was also seriously injured in the accident, but was released from
the hospital after three days.
Lahr is described by those who knew her as an energetic figure who
inspired others with her passion for justice. A 22-year employee
of the Oregon Department of Human Services, Lahr was active in her
union, the Service Employees International Union Local 503, and
helped found the Eugene-Springfield Solidarity Network, which is
now a chapter of the workers’ rights group Jobs with Justice.
Lahr was also chair of SEIU sublocal 205, and served as a labor
representative on the local Workforce Investment Board.
Police arrested Robert T. Berryhill, 39, two days after the incident
and charged him with felony hit-and-run and driving with a suspended
license. Berryhill had earlier convictions of reckless driving and
driving under the influence.
Lahr was born Aug. 23, 1962, in Bakersfield, Calif. She graduated
from Southern Oregon State College in 1984. She and Wehner held
a commitment ceremony in 1997, and exchanged vows on March 11, 2004,
in Portland during the brief period of time when Multnomah County
was issuing marriage licenses to same-sex partners.
Remembrances can be sent to the Lucy Lahr Memorial Fund at Oregon
Community Credit Union.
