Richard Whitmer, father of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, dies

Richard Whitmer – Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s father – who served as Governor William Milliken’s Secretary of Commerce and as CEO of Blue Cross/Blue Protect of Michigan, died Monday, January 26.

However to the governor, he was “only a dad,” she stated in an announcement issued after his demise at age 85.

“He was all the time fast to giggle, keen to provide recommendation and particularly proud that his youngsters and grandchildren grew up with the elemental Michigan values ​​of kindness, respect and humor that he taught us and lived every single day of his life,” the governor stated. She described her father as her “greatest good friend” and “most trusted counselor.”

“Right this moment I’m unhappy, however I’m additionally grateful. I’m grateful for the time we spent collectively, for the issues he taught me, and the tales I’ll carry with me ceaselessly,” she stated.

The governor credited her father with placing her on the trail to public service, saying that whereas she was a scholar at Michigan State College and aspiring to change into a sports activities broadcaster, he recommended an internship on the Capitol. “I have never seemed again since,” the governor stated.

Richard Whitmer earned a bachelor’s diploma from Western Michigan College and a legislation diploma from the College of Michigan, in keeping with a information launch from the governor’s workplace.

Blue Cross Blue Protect of Michigan leaders celebrated his life and management of the well being insurer. President and CEO Tricia Keith credited him with turning round funds and bettering relations between administration and workers within the Eighties. “Dick Whitmer was a frontrunner of integrity and steadfastness. He set Blue Cross on a path to develop, compete and serve in a brand new century,” she stated in an announcement.

He’s survived by three youngsters: Gretchen, Richard and Liz, together with seven grandchildren.

Extra: Detroit neighborhood, fireplace station, faculty listed on the Nationwide Historic Register

(This story has been up to date so as to add new data.)

Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.