2024 House Resolution 173

Whereas, It is with great sadness that the members of this legislative body learned about the passing of Clark Bisbee. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and leader who loyally served his constituents in the greater Jackson area in the Sixty-Fourth District; and

Whereas, Clark Bisbee was born in Jackson to Leland S. Bisbee, Jr. and Margaret Clark Bisbee. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in business from Albion College, he began his storied career with City Bank & Trust and spent ten years managing the bank’s operations in mid-Michigan. In 1978, Mr. Bisbee founded Bisbee Infrared Services, which provided the mid-Michigan region with thermographic imaging services for decades. Always the family man, Mr. Bisbee then stepped up to lead Lee Bisbee Travel Service Inc., the travel agency founded by his father. Under his leadership, the family business became the premier travel agency in Michigan. Lee Bisbee Travel Service Inc. had over 40 employees in five offices across the state at its peak and served the community for over 50 years before closing its doors in 2009. While at the helm of Lee Bisbee Travel Service Inc., Mr. Bisbee also served as the president of the American Society of Travel Agents; and

Whereas, Clark Bisbee was a pillar of his community. His family business sponsored local little league teams for decades, while he served as a member of the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce; the YMCA Expansion Committee; Queen’s Parish Administration Council; Father Coyle Society; Lutheran School PTO; Jackson Rotary; and countless other organizations. Mr. Bisbee’s attitude of genuine friendship and positivity towards everybody served him well in his various positions throughout the community; and

Whereas, Clark Bisbee was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1998 and served until 2004. During his tenure, he chaired the Joint Select Committee on Business Competitiveness, the Commerce Committee, and the Training and Safety Committee; was the vice chair for the Insurance and Financial Services Committee for two terms; and was a member of the committees on Economic Development, Energy and Technology, Great Lakes and Tourism, Employment Relations, Insurance, and Regulatory Reform. While in office, Mr. Bisbee was an effective representative who worked across the aisle with now United States Senator Gary Peters to spearhead an amendment to Michigan’s Constitution to require a majority of the members in Michigan’s House of Representatives and Senate to approve a salary increase for the following term; and

Whereas, Clark Bisbee is survived by his wife, Kathleen “Katie” Miller Bisbee of over 39 years; four children, Casey, Megan, Leland IV, and Peter; seven grandchildren; and his siblings, Leland III, Margaret, and Constance. His parents and sister, Patrice, preceded him in death. His family described him as a devoted and adoring husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle whose calmness and relentless positivity endeared him to anyone with whom he crossed paths. Described by those who worked close to him as a model for citizen legislators, Mr. Bisbee always prioritized his family and was home with his family every night. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this resolution of tribute for Clark E. Bisbee, former member of the Michigan House of Representatives; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the family of Clark Bisbee as a sign of our deepest condolences.