Senator Meekhof offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 194.

            A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Alvin J. DeGrow, former member of the Senate.

            Whereas, It is with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Senator Alvin DeGrow, a highly respected member of this legislative body for more than 14 years. He will be remembered as a statesman, a businessman, and a true gentleman; and

            Whereas, Alvin DeGrow was born in Pigeon, Michigan, and after graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving our nation during the Second World War. Mr. DeGrow was assigned to a tank landing ship in the Pacific theatre, and after the war ended, his ship assisted troops in the Chinese Civil War; and

            Whereas, Coming back to Pigeon after the war, Mr. DeGrow raised a family, owned and operated a retail store, and was involved in Rotary International. It was in Pigeon where he started his career in politics, serving on the board of Tri-County Community College before winning a special election to the Michigan State Senate in 1968; and

Whereas, Senator DeGrow served in the state legislature during challenging economic times. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he guided difficult budgetary decisions during the recessions of the 1970s. He also served as chair of the Health, Social Services and Retirement Committee, and was a member of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Highways, and Municipalities and Elections committees. Throughout his legislative career, Senator DeGrow forged compromises and developed solutions to complex problems, working across the aisle to serve his constituents and the people of Michigan; and

Whereas, Senator DeGrow continued to be involved in politics after leaving the Senate, founding a lobbying firm with two Senate colleagues. He retired in 1989; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we offer our highest tribute to honor the memory of Alvin J. DeGrow, a member of this legislative body from 1968 to 1982; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the DeGrow family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.