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

            House Resolution No. 417.

            A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Bela E. Kennedy, former member of the House of Representatives.

            Whereas, The members of the Michigan House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the passing of Bela E. Kennedy, a gentleman of true distinction who served this legislative body for 11 years and his community in Van Buren County throughout his life. In acknowledgement of the impact of his commitment to Michigan agriculture and public service, we offer this expression of our admiration for his life and extend our condolences to his family; and

            Whereas, Born in Bangor in 1918, Bela Kennedy was the proud son of a farm family. The values of service, faith, and hard work were rooted in him every bit as deeply as the traditions symbolized by the centennial farms across our state. He was a graduate of Michigan State University who put his talents to good use as a leader in a host of local and statewide farm organizations. Indeed, his insights were invaluable to a long list of private and public agricultural entities; and

            Whereas, Bela Kennedy's extensive involvement with community groups of all types, including the Masons, led him to the Capitol and the legislature. In 1971, he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in a special election, and he was reelected to 5 consecutive terms prior to his retirement. In Lansing, the same integrity, honesty, and diligence well-known in Van Buren County became invaluable over the course of his tenure as a lawmaker. His knowledge contributed a great deal to all types of bills, from those dealing with agricultural commodity programs to local government, and earned him the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Clearly, Bela Kennedy's life strengthened our state in many ways; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Bela E. Kennedy, a member of this legislative body from 1971 to 1982; and be it further

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