house resolution no.416

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

A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Rodney Wakeman.

Whereas, It is a distinct pleasure to honor Representative Rodney Wakeman as his time in the Michigan House of Representatives comes to a close. He has served his constituents in the Ninety-fourth District, as well as all of Michigan's citizens, with dedication and leadership; and

Whereas, Representative Wakeman was born and raised in Saginaw. He earned an associate   s degree in arts from Delta College and a Certificate of Mortuary Science from Wayne State University. His knowledge and savvy contributed to the success of his family business, Wakeman Funeral Home in Saginaw. Representative Wakeman is a proud servant of his community and is a member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the President of the Valley Lutheran High School Foundation, and a member of the Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science Advisory Committee, along with holding a number of other roles in community organizations. In 2011 and 2015, Representative Wakeman was appointed to the Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science by Governor Rick Snyder and served as chair from 2015 to 2018; and

Whereas, Representative Wakeman was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2018. During his time, he served as the vice chair of the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee and the Financial Services Committee. He also exemplified leadership as the chair of the committee on Families, Children, and Seniors. Representative Wakeman served dutifully as a member of the committees on Commerce and Tourism, Education, and Communications and Technology. Using his vast expertise, Representative Wakeman sponsored legislation to improve the licensed practice of Mortuary Science and worked to improve the lives of vulnerable Michigan residents; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of tribute to commend and thank the Honorable Rodney Wakeman for his notable contributions to this legislative body and to our state; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Representative Rodney Wakeman as a token of our appreciation and gratitude.