house resolution no.206

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

A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Stephen Ehardt, former member of the House of Representatives.

Whereas, It was with deep sadness that the members of this body learned of the passing of Stephen Ehardt. He will be remembered for the passion with which he served his constituents in the 83^rd District and the entire state of Michigan; and

Whereas, Stephen Ehardt was born in Port Huron and graduated from Croswell Lexington High School in 1973. He then attended Ferris State University where he earned his degree in pharmacy. Upon graduation, Stephen returned to Lexington and started Ehardt's Pharmacy, where he would serve as president and CEO for 36 years. Even after starting his own practice, he continued his education in pharmacy, earning a Certificate in Geriatric Pharmacy from Ferris State University in 1995 and completing a Community Pharmacy Management Program through the American Pharmacists Association in 1996; and

Whereas, Stephen Ehardt's contributions to pharmacy in Michigan extend far beyond his practice. He served as an adjunct professor or instructor at St. Clair County Community College, the University of Michigan-Flint, and Wayne State University School of Pharmacy, passing his knowledge to the next generation. In 1997, he was elected president of the Michigan Pharmacists Association and received the Distinguished Achievement Award in Community Pharmacy Practice from the American Pharmacists Association. In 2005, he was named the Michigan Pharmacists Association's Pharmacist of the Year; and

Whereas, Throughout his life, Stephen Ehardt was willing to serve his community. He was a member of the Greater Croswell-Lexington Chamber of Commerce Executive Board for 17 years, including time as president and treasurer, and was appointed to the Thumb Michigan Works! community advisory board in 1996. Stephen also served his community in local elected office, including four years on the Lexington Planning Commission and ten years as a village trustee; and

Whereas, Stephen Ehardt was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1998. Bringing his experience as a pharmacist, Representative Ehardt became a leader on health policy, including serving as the chair of the Health Policy Committee during his last two terms. He also served as vice chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee and as a member of the committees on Agriculture and Resource Management; Conservation and Outdoor Recreation; Insurance; Insurance and Financial Services; Health Insurance; and Land Use and Environment. Representative Erhardt was also chosen to serve as Associate Speaker Pro Tempore for the 2001 to 2002 and 2003 to 2004 sessions; and

Whereas, Representative Ehardt was a consummate public servant, spending two decades in elected office and contributing to the betterment of his community in countless other endeavors. His passion for policy and representing his constituents will serve as an example for those that follow in his footsteps; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Stephen Ehardt, a member of the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2004; and be it further

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