Remembering Harry Shaich: Activist, Father, Benefactor

Above: Harry receiving a CUB Founder Award on behalf of his son Eric

For nearly 2 decades, CUB has hosted a number of interns for our policy and regulatory programs. These interns have gained valuable experience in the energy industry, helping our work tremendously and enabling us to help make a difference for Oregon utility customers. Their work is a fulfillment of Harry Shaich’s vision—one that has benefited CUB and utility customers considerably.

All of us at CUB were saddened to hear that Harry recently passed away. Our hearts go out to his family, because we know that above all else, Harry cared for his family.

I first met Harry in 1992. He was coping with the recent death of his son, Eric. While at the University of Oregon in 1984, Eric Shaich had been a student volunteer on the initiative campaign that created CUB. Eric was interested in energy issues and went on to work for the Bonneville Power Administration. When Eric passed away, Harry and the Shaich family wanted to do something to honor Eric and create a lasting memorial for him.

After Harry contacted me, we began discussing whether CUB could create a living memorial for Eric. This led to the Eric Shaich Internship Program. The Shaich family contributed an endowment for the program, then worked with CUB to grow that endowment to a level that allowed us to sponsor paid student interns on a sustainable basis using its interest.

Harry was an activist who was very concerned about issues relating to peace, poverty, and environmental protection. And Harry loved his family. As a parent, you want your children to outlast you. You want to watch your children grow up and make a difference in the world. Harry took his love for his son and helped create a program that allowed Eric’s desire to make the world better continue on as a lasting legacy. CUB and our many interns have greatly benefited from his generosity.

Today, the modest internship program founded by Harry has grown to include annual Eric Shaich interns and law clerks, as well as the capacity for CUB to utilize legal externs and fellows. Many former Shaich interns have gone on to work in the fields of energy and public interest advocacy, including Phillip Kelsven, a founder of the Association of Energy Professionals NW and currently a Program Analyst at the Conservation Services Group; Jed Jorgesen, currently the Senior Energy Project Manager at Energy Trust of Oregon; and Linda Tomassi, CUB’s Board Chair and the Executive Director of Oregon Women Lawyers. Meet CUB’s past Shaich Interns.

Harry and his son Joel at CUB 20th Anniversary Dinner

Harry’s family has graciously encouraged people to make a donation to CUB’s Eric Shaich Memorial Fund as a way to honor two generations of a great Oregon family. Contributions can be sent to:

Eric Shaich Memorial Fund
CUB Policy Center
610 SW Broadway, Suite 400
Portland, OR 97205

We strive to continue the vision of Harry and the Shaich family through the educational opportunities we offer to students and young professionals. It is an honor to have worked alongside Harry Shaich to build the Eric Shaich Memorial Internship.

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