The Speaker, on behalf of the entire membership, offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 326.

A resolution offered as a memorial for Richard Headlee.

Whereas, Richard Headlee was a man devoted to God, family, and country.  He spoke as a straight-shooter, never beating around the bush to curry favor or obscure his views; and

Whereas, In his public life, he remained a man of principle, and his views were clear-headed and consistent; and

Whereas, He believed passionately in a free society, and knew that preserving freedom required not just eternal vigilance, but bold and determined action; and

Whereas, He didn't run for governor because he wanted to be "in charge" or because he craved the limelight, but because he was a living example of the ancient republican ideal: the citizen who sets down his plow to put right what is wrong and serve his community; and

Whereas, Action was a natural extension of who Dick was, and Michigan is demonstrably better for it; and

Whereas; His tireless work on behalf of taxpayers, enshrined in 1978 in our state constitution's "Headlee Amendment," gave Michiganians a powerful shield in the battle to restrain government excess; and

Whereas, His resolve inspired and energized a new generation of leaders, and his forceful yet congenial persuasiveness, often wrapped in clever verse or rhetorical flourish, won the hearts and minds of countless citizens; and

Whereas, Dick Headlee was a genuine Michigan statesman. We are grateful for his contributions to our taxpayers and our state; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body honor the life of Richard Headlee; and be it further

Resolved, That we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Mary, and the entire Headlee family.