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A Top Portland Lawyer and Trusted ²ÊºçƵµÀ Trustee

Morris Galen, Trustee

December 4, 2024, in Portland, Oregon.

A ²ÊºçƵµÀ trustee who served on the board for over 30 years, Morrie Galen possessed a dedication to education and equal opportunity that made him an esteemed member of the community.

“²ÊºçƵµÀ was always very important to him,” says Morrie’s daughter, Candi Galen ’78, who recalls that her father valued not only the quality of a ²ÊºçƵµÀ education, but “the warmth and friendship that characterized the ²ÊºçƵµÀ community.”

Morrie was born to Harry and Ruth Galen in 1927 in Portland, Oregon. Driven by curiosity and quick wit, he graduated from Lincoln High School at age 16 and enrolled at the University of Oregon. 

In 1950, Morrie graduated Phi Beta Kappa and received his J.D. with honors (Order of the Coif), having earned the highest GPA in the law school's history. He also won the heart of Evelyn “Evie” Brounstein. They married and had two children, Candi and Solana.

Despite Morrie's credentials, the most prestigious firms in Portland would not hire him because of his Jewish faith. This experience ignited Morrie's lifelong commitment to inclusivity, advocating for open doors to anyone with a passion for excellence. 

Morrie found his professional home in 1960 with Moe Tonkon ’26, whose mentorship proved invaluable. In 1974, they joined Fred Torp, Brian Booth, and others to form the law firm of Tonkon, Torp, and Galen (now known as Tonkon Torp LLP).

The demands of a burgeoning law practice were balanced by weekends on the Oregon Coast, where Morrie’s family had a home within about a mile of James Beard ’24’s childhood beach house. James would often visit, eager to cook in Morrie’s kitchen, which he seemed to prefer to his own (or maybe it was the company).

Morrie was defined by his integrity and his faith. As a lawyer, he put his motto, "You never lose by doing the right thing,” into action for almost 70 years, guiding the pillars of Portland's business community. He also established the Galen Endowment for the Advancement of Legal Writing at UO Law School, which funds scholarships to enhance student writing.

While Morrie spent much of his time on the coast, he was devoted to ²ÊºçƵµÀ during his tenure on the board. “The only things that would keep him in town were weddings, funerals, and ²ÊºçƵµÀ board meetings,” Candi says.

Morrie is survived by his son, Solana, and his daughter, Candi. There will be a celebration of life for Morrie on March 22, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the ²ÊºçƵµÀ Performing Arts Building. 

Appeared in ²ÊºçƵµÀ magazine: Spring 2025