Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the House of Representatives learned about the passing of Thomas Mathieu. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant by his constituents in the Grand Rapids area and the people of the State of Michigan; and
Whereas, Thomas Mathieu was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1974. For the next 24 years he would go on to serve his constituents with distinction, authoring laws such as the Mathieu-Gast Home Improvement Act, the act establishing a long-term care ombudsman, and the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps Act. During his service, he was recognized as Legislator of the Year by a constellation of organizations, such as the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, American Association of University Professors, and Michigan Federation of Private Child and Family Agencies. He was especially known for his efforts on behalf of senior citizens; and
Whereas, Thomas Mathieu also distinguished himself with his service in House leadership. He served as Majority Whip in the 78th Legislature (1975-76), and Assistant Majority Floor Leader in the 79th, 80th, 81st, and 82nd Legislatures (1977-84). He also chaired the Judiciary Committee in the 87th Legislature (1993-94), and the Appropriations Committee for a time in the 89th Legislature (1998); and
Whereas, After leaving the Legislature he spent seven years as Director of the Michigan Association of Community Action Agencies before beginning a well-earned retirement in 2005; and
Whereas, Upon Thomas Mathieu’s passing, we offer our condolences to his loved ones. Thomas Mathieu’s contributions to this chamber and the State of Michigan will be remembered; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Thomas Mathieu, a member of the House of Representatives from 1975 to 1998; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Mathieu family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.
Offered
by
Adopted in the House by voice vote
