house Resolution No.335

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

A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for William R. Bryant, former member of the House of Representatives.

Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the Legislature learned about the passing of William Bryant. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant by his constituents in the Detroit area and the people of the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, A native of Detroit, William Bryant spent his career serving his community in a variety of capacities. After graduating from Princeton and the University of Michigan, he worked as an attorney and served as a member of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners before his election to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1970; and

Whereas, During his 26 years of service in the House of Representatives, Rep. Bryant focused his talents and energy on the areas of education and taxation, serving as the chair of the Education Committee and minority vice chair of the Taxation Committee. Rep. Bryant’s passion for education was made evident by his commitment to learning and growth, and his ability to understand economic complexities became invaluable to his colleagues. As Republican House Leader from 1979 to 1988, Rep. Bryant demonstrated an extensive knowledge of the House Rules that earned him a deep respect from members on both sides of the aisle. Rep. Bryant was known as an erudite gentleman whose presence conveyed leadership, thoughtfulness, and integrity, earning him recognition from his colleagues as House Republican Leader Emeritus; and

Whereas, After retiring from the Legislature in 1996, Rep. Bryant and his wife moved to Kiawah Island, South Carolina, where he continued to serve his community. He volunteered in second grade classes for several years and authored two books of stories and poems and a book on New Age politics. Throughout his life, Rep. Bryant continually found new ways to serve while demonstrating his commitment to and passion for learning and knowledge; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of William R. Bryant, a member of the House of Representatives from 1971 to 1996; and be it further

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