senate concurrent resolution no. 30

Senator Shirkey offered the following concurrent resolution:

A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for John Mowat Jr., former member of the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate.

Whereas, It is with great sorrow that the members of this legislative body learned about the passing of John Mowat Jr. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant and leader who was committed to his constituents in Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, and Washtenaw counties in the Nineteenth and Fortieth Districts; and

Whereas, Mr. Mowat was born in Chicago, Illinois. He later moved to Adrian, Michigan, where he spent some of his childhood and  graduated from Adrian High School. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in agriculture from Michigan State University. After serving his country as a member of the Army Air Force during World War II, John Mowat Jr. returned home to join his parents in the family farm where he worked as a fruit grower and marketeer. In 1969, he was selected as one of the top farmers in Michigan by W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Additionally, he served his community in many volunteer positions including President of the Madison School Board, President of Michigan Certified Farm Markets, and member of the Adrian Chamber of Commerce, Lenawee County Farm Bureau, Michigan Horticultural Society, Michigan Agricultural Conference, Michigan Peach Council, Lenawee County Youth Home Board, and Boy Scouts of America; and

Whereas, John Mowat Jr. served 11 years as a legislator. Elected first to the House of Representatives in 1970, John Mowat Jr. served on committees on Education; Constitutional Revision and Women’s Rights; Public Utilities; and as Minority Vice Chair of Social Services and Corrections; Youth and Student Participation; and Drainage. Elected to the Senate in 1979, he served as a member of the committees on Education; Health and Social Services; Senate Administration and Rules; and Labor and Retirement. He showed exceptional leadership in both chambers as the Elected Assistant Republican Leader during the 1974 and 1976 sessions and as the Republican Caucus Chairman as a Senator during the 1979 session; and

Whereas, In addition to his responsibilities as a legislator and farmer, John Mowat Jr. continued to be involved in his community in a variety of capacities throughout his life. After leaving public office, John Mowat Jr. served as Executive Director for the Republican Party in the Michigan House of Representatives for nearly 10 years. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina. His knowledge and expertise stood out to all who knew him; and

Whereas, John Mowat Jr.’s legacy is an example of how we as public servants can apply our knowledge and expertise for the betterment of the state of Michigan. Committed to sound public policy and willing to be vocal about what he believed, he served dutifully in the Legislature and his community while remaining devoted to his family. In 1982, he decided to not seek re-election so he could return to the family and the family farm. He cherished his wife and three sons most of all; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of John Mowat Jr., a member of the Michigan Legislature from 1971 to 1982; and be it further

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