SR193, As Adopted by Senate, November 28, 2018

            Senator Meekhof offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 193.

            A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for John F. Kelly, former member of the Senate.

            Whereas, This body was saddened to learn of the passing of former Senator John F. Kelly, a conscientious and distinguished member of this body who served Wayne County in the First Senate District. A native of Detroit, through his life of service and contributions John Kelly left an indelible mark on his community; and

Whereas, John Kelly was a graduate of the University of Michigan, with honors, and earned his master's degree from Wayne State University. The former Georgetown University graduate student also earned a Ph.D. from Wayne State University and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law. During his graduate studies at Wayne State University, he started a decades-long career as a university instructor, adjunct professor, and academic researcher at various institutions. In 1972, Senator Kelly enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, advancing to the rank of colonel, and received a presidential appointment to serve in the Military Intelligence/ASA Branch, rising to the rank of major. In addition to his many civic groups and professional memberships, John Kelly was an attorney-at-law and assistant state judge advocate for the Michigan National Guard Judge Advocate General's Corps; and

            Whereas, John Kelly was elected to the Michigan Senate in 1978 and faithfully served his northeastern Wayne County constituents and this state for 16 years. Not one to remain a bystander for long, Senator Kelly was elected Majority Whip by the Democratic Caucus shortly after taking office. A long-time member of the Judiciary, Health Policy, and Government Operations committees, where he was also vice chair, he served as chair of the Corporations and Economic Development Committee and Foreign Relations Committee; as vice chair on the Municipalities and Elections Committee and Administration, Rules and Elections Committee; and as a member of several select and joint committees. Known for his eloquence, passion, and pragmatic approach to matching problems with solutions and willingness to jump into the fray, Senator Kelly worked on a wide array of issues that made Michigan a better place to live and work; and

            Whereas, John Kelly was a steadfast public servant who continued his deep commitment after he left the Senate. For seven years, he served as a liaison to the Detroit Federal Bureau of Investigation and as a task force officer to a federal law enforcement unit dedicated to counter-terrorism research. Years after his retirement from this body, he served as a defense attaché to the Republic of South Africa. He also is a former member of the Board of Governors at Wayne State University from 1998 to 2002 and was vice chair of the Michigan Film Advisory Board from 2002 to 2009; and

Whereas, Through his many public and community service contributions, John Kelly significantly impacted the lives of many. May the knowledge that he has made such a difference be a measure of solace for his loving family; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of John F. Kelly, a member of this legislative body from 1979 to 1994; and be it further

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