SR-32, As Adopted by Senate, April 11, 2013

            Senator Walker offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 32.

            A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Dennis O. Cawthorne.

            Whereas, It is with deep appreciation and regard for his dedication, leadership, and outstanding service to the Mackinac Island State Park Commission that we take time to recognize Dennis O. Cawthorne; and

            Whereas, His commitment and devotion to a continued balanced approach of development and preservation has greatly benefited Mackinac Island residents and visitors alike; and

            Whereas, It is because of people like Dennis Cawthorne that Mackinac Island stands as a symbol of history and outdoor beauty; and

            Whereas, Dennis Cawthorne, a former state legislator, holds the record as the longest-serving chairman in the 118-year history of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission. This has culminated to a 22-year service record with several outstanding projects completed; and

            Whereas, Dennis is directly responsible for securing nearly a mile of shoreline from being developed as well as several trail systems throughout the island; and

            Whereas, The creation of the Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, the reopening of Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and restoration of the buildings and walls of historic Fort Mackinac were all completed under his leadership; and

            Whereas, Dennis also led the commission during several significant improvements to the infrastructure and municipal facilities of Mackinac Island, including a total renovation of Mackinac Island Airport, repair and extension of roads and trail systems, the overhaul of the resource recovery plant and water treatment plant, and upgrades for transmission and telecommunication systems; and

            Whereas, Dennis Cawthorne has also served the Mackinac Island community through several other leadership roles, including as manager of the Mackinac Island Chamber of Commerce, founder and owner of Cawthorne’s Village Inn, developer of The Victorians Condominiums, and organizer of the Annual Mackinac Island Steak and Suds Society Reception; and

            Whereas, During his tenure, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and island residents have celebrated several historical milestones, including the 250th anniversary of the 1763 attack on Fort Michilimackinac, the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the 100th anniversary of Mackinac Island and Michilimackinac State Parks, and the 50th anniversary of the Mackinac State Historic Parks historical archaeology program; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby commend and thank Dennis O. Cawthorne for his service and dedication to the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and the residents of Mackinac Island; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Dennis Cawthorne as a reflection of our gratitude and best wishes.