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

House Resolution No. 211.

A resolution honoring the life of Jerry Lawler.

            Whereas, Jerry Lawler was born on August 2, 1943, in Clare, Iowa, the son of Cork and Ruth Lawler.  He was raised on a farm and, inspired by an uncle, became interested in politics and government at an early age. He graduated from Saint Mathews Academy and Drake University.  After graduation, he served in the United States Army; and

            Whereas, In 1968, Jerry moved to Lansing, Michigan, to work for the newly-established Legislative Service Bureau as a research analyst.  Within the Bureau, he also served as Administrative Assistant, Director of Administrative Services, and Associate Director; and

            Whereas, In 1989, Jerry was selected to be the first executive director of the Michigan Capitol Committee, a bipartisan, executive-legislative body which had formed in 1989 to manage and direct the restoration of the Capitol.  Jerry was in charge of overseeing the architectural firms restoring the building, making sure that budgets and schedules were adhered to, meeting multiple deadlines, and defusing never-ending crisis.  For three years, he literally worked around the clock to restore the Capitol to its original beauty and to make it functional in the modern world; and 

Whereas, In 1994, the Legislative Council Facilities Agency was created and Jerry was named Director. Jerry received the Michigan Historic Preservation Network 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award for his career of promoting historic preservation of the Capitol.  He also received the 2007 Capitol Preservation Lifetime Leadership Award given by the Michigan Capitol Committee and Friends of the Capitol.  In February 2007, the Jerry Lawler Gala Celebration took place at the Capitol to honor his life’s work; and

            Whereas, Jerry was heavily involved in community and civic groups, including the East Side Neighborhood Organization of which he served in various capacities including president for several years.  He also served on the East Side Planning Association, East Side Transportation Study, United Way Property Committee, Center for Urban Affairs Community Council, East Michigan Avenue Business Association, and East Side Commercial Club.  Additionally, he pursued his passion for history by serving on the boards of the Turner Dodge House, Greater Lansing Historical Society, and Friends of the Capitol; and

            Whereas, Jerry was a great Spartan fan and faithfully attended many of Michigan State University’s sporting events.  He enjoyed classical music, especially the Metropolitan Opera broadcast. He took pleasure in gardening and was often seen weeding the flower beds in front of the Capitol. He was also a roller coaster buff.  The highlight of his summer was his annual vacation to Cedar Point with his grandchildren; and

            Whereas, Jerry is survived by his wife, Connie; his two step-daughters, Kim Dewey and Beth Sandborn; a step-son, Dr. Michael Sandborn; eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Charles, Erin, Maeve, Ethan, Lara, and Elin.  He also leaves behind a brother, Lowell Lawler; and sisters, Kathleen Halpin, and Carolyn Saladino; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body honor the life of Jerry Lawler; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the Lawler family as evidence of our esteem.