State Rep. Phil Green today issued the following statement after his father, former state Rep. and Sen. Mike Green, passed away at the age of 75. Mike Green graduated from Goodrich High School, attended Flint Junior College and was a tool and die maker for General Motors for 28 years prior to his election to the Michigan House in 1994. He was later elected to the state Senate in 2010, representing a district that included parts of Arenac, Bay, Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola counties.

Outside of the state Legislature, Mike Green served Tuscola County on several boards and commissions, including as chairman of the Michigan Association of Counties and a member of the Tuscola County Mental Health Board. He also served as Tuscola County Commissioner for eight years and was a member of both the National Rifle Association and the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners. He was an avid outdoorsman, craftsman and traveler:

“Over the past year, Dad has exhibited incredible resilience in battling lung cancer. However, after successfully overcoming the initial tumor, the cancer had unfortunately spread to various parts of his body and his treatment options were exhausted.

“Through his service to his fellow community members, he showed an incredible and unwavering selflessness. He worked hard to make our state and our region a better place for people to live, work and raise their families. He knew what worked for our rural communities because that’s where he came from. He lived and breathed what mattered to these areas – and he was an outstanding voice for them. He also worked hard to protect unalienable Constitutional rights we all hold dear.

“Our family truly appreciates the many thoughts and prayers for strength and comfort as we’ve engaged in this difficult journey – and we continually appreciate the many kind words in celebration of his life and service to others.”

Funeral arrangements are being made through Avram Funeral Home in Mayville.