A physician who campaigned for the U.S. state of Oregon’s Death With Dignity Act has died using lethal chemicals obtained under the law he championed. He was 83.

A spokesman for the organization Compassion and Choices says Peter Goodwin died Sunday at his home surrounded by his family. Goodwin told the Oregonian last month he’s battled a rare brain disorder for six years.

Oregon was the first state to allow terminally ill patients to take their own lives with the help of lethal medications supplied by a doctor.

The act was the result of a long campaign by Goodwin, and he’s called it his greatest legacy.

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Steve Hopcraft, a spokesman for the organization Compassion & Choices, said Goodwin died less than half an hour after ingesting the drug to cause death, a right granted under the law enacted in 1997.

Goodwin was surrounded by his four children at his death. His wife of 50 year, Erica, died in 2008.

Ten days ago, Goodwin granted an interview to The Oregonian in which he reflected on his life, achievements and the rare neurological illness that he was enduring.

Please come back to oregonlive.com later today for an obituary.

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- Anne Saker, Twitter @dwtnPDXreporter