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Oregon State Treasurer Ben Westlund died early Sunday at age 60 after a recurrence of lung cancer.

Westlund had reportedly decided not to seek treatment for his condition. James Sinks, Westlund’s spokesman, said late last week that Westlund had visited the office earlier that week. He made only two appearances during the state Legislature's February short session, which ran from Feb. 1 through Feb. 26.

"In his speeches, he frequently joked that while folks can learn lifelong lessons in kindergarten, you can learn a lot about being treasurer from ranching," Sinks said in a statement. "For instance, 'watch out for predators;' 'sunshine is the best disinfectant;' and 'watch where you step.'"

He was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2003. Westlund, who took office in January 2009, had recently settled a major lawsuit with OppenheimerFunds Inc. over alleged mismanagement of Oregon’s 529 College Savings Plan. Oregon families will divide $20 million among roughly 45,000 shareholders after Westlund and Oregon Attorney General John Kroger charged the funds manager with securities fraud, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty.

Westlund was born in Long Beach, Calif., on Sept. 3, 1949, and raised in Lake Oswego. He worked as a Portland businessman before becoming a rancher in Central Oregon. His company, High Country Herefords, sold genetic products used in the livestock industry.

Westlund was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives as a Republican in 1996 and served until 2003. He became a state senator from 2003 to 2008, switching parties to become a Democrat in 2006. He was elected state treasurer in 2008. Gov. Ted Kulongoski must now appoint a successor, who will serve until voters elect a new treasurer this November.

Westlund earned praise from business interests for backing such programs as the Oregon Innovation Council, established earlier this decade. The program distributes millions each legislative session for economic development.

Westlund was known as a hard worker and straight political shooter. He also retained his rancher’s sensibility even though he spent 14 years in Salem. For instance, when ending a phone conversation, instead of saying “goodbye,” Westlund would say, “Down the trail.”

He leaves behind his wife, Libby, and two children.

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