The Loss of a Great Man

President Gerald Ford was a great American and a great Michigander. One of my fondest moments was when, as Michigan Secretary of State, I placed an historic marker in front of President Ford’s boyhood home in Grand Rapids which had just been restored. President Ford spoke that day about how the values instilled in him in that home, in that community and in our great state of Michigan helped sustain him throughout his life. It was those values which helped him to assume the Presidency at one of the most difficult moments in our nation’s history and to lead with honor and dignity.

My best wishes go out to Betty Ford and their entire family as our nation mourns the loss of this great man.