Mark was first elected to the office of township clerk and then he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate. I think we’ve all heard how effective of a legislator he was on the front lines. He was all about helping families, revitalizing our state, caring for the vulnerable, and enhancing opportunities for each person to utilize their own God-given talents.
Mark went on and worked as Director of Spiritual Initiatives for Habitat for Humanity, Director of Child Care Licensing for the state of Michigan, and he served on multiple community service boards, always giving back to the community that gave so much to him.
I remember a few years ago when I was doing doors in Gaines Township during my campaign, I knew I was in pretty good shape when the seventh person told me that Mark was saying good things about you. That respect for Mark was immense in the township and sure enough, I figured I was pretty good in that township with Mark saying good things about me.
His family, friends, and community will certainly miss his light in our world, but take comfort in knowing that he’s spending eternity with the Almighty. One of Mark’s favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”
Mark led by example, following the path of a genuinely good, faithful, and incredibly effective servant leadership. With that, God bless all his family and those that he’s touched.
By unanimous consent the Senate returned to the order of
Third Reading of Bills
The following bill was read a third time:
Senate Bill No. 145, entitled
A bill to create the Michigan first-time home buyer savings program; to provide for first-time home buyer savings accounts; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state agencies, boards, and departments; to allow certain tax deductions; and to provide for penalties and remedies.
The question being on the passage of the bill,
The bill was passed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows: