Bill Text: MI SCR0034 | 2017-2018 | 99th Legislature | Engrossed
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Raymond D. Dzendzel, former member of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-06-12 - Referred To Secretary For Record [SCR0034 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2017-SCR0034-Engrossed.html
Senator Meekhof offered the following concurrent resolution:
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 34.
A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Raymond D. Dzendzel, former member of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Whereas, It is with great sadness that the members of the Michigan Legislature learned of the passing of Raymond Dzendzel. He was a strong advocate for the people of northwest Detroit and northern Wayne County during his 16 years in the House of Representatives and the Senate; and
Whereas, Raymond Dzendzel was a public servant long before he arrived in Lansing. After graduating from Redford High School, he joined the United States Coast Guard and served in the north Atlantic during World War II. He returned home after the war and earned a bachelor's degree from the Detroit Institute of Technology, working as a carpenter and business representative for his carpenters' union before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1954; and
Whereas, During his two terms in the House, Raymond Dzendzel drew on his experience in the Coast Guard, serving on the Michigan Veterans' Facility and Military and Veterans' Affairs committees. He was also a member of the House committees related to constitutional amendments and apportionment. Raymond Dzendzel served on numerous committees in the Senate after his election to that chamber in 1958, including committees covering elections, insurance, interstate cooperation, judiciary, labor, senate business, and veterans' affairs. He also served on the Legislative Council and was the chairman of the Corporations Committee and the Committee on Committees; and
Whereas, Raymond Dzendzel took on leadership positions during his tenure in the Senate. Most notably, he was his party's leader from December 1963 to January 1969, serving as the Majority Leader during the 1965-1966 session, reflecting the trust and respect he had earned from his colleagues. During his time in the Legislature, he devoted his efforts to many different issues that mattered to his constituents. He worked on education, public safety, seniors, and veterans' issues, but was most known for his efforts on labor, including the creation of the Construction Safety Commission and Board of Residential Contractors; and
Whereas, Raymond Dzendzel enjoyed a long and happy retirement after leaving Lansing in 1970. He spent time with his family and remained active in the community, including serving as a member of the board of directors for Botsford Hospital; and
Whereas, Raymond Dzendzel was an honorable and committed public servant. Upon his passing, we offer our condolences to his family and friends. We hope that they may find comfort in the knowledge that the community as a whole shares in their bereavement, and that the legacy of Raymond Dzendzel's contributions will long continue to enrich our state; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Raymond D. Dzendzel, a member of the House of Representatives from 1955 to 1958 and the Senate from 1959 to 1970; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Dzendzel family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.
