as adopted by Senate, November 12, 2020

senate Concurrent Resolution No.34

Senator Shirkey offered the following concurrent resolution:

A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Jack Faxon, 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 Jack Faxon. Throughout his long legislative career, he was a dedicated public servant and eternal educator who worked tirelessly for the residents of southeast Michigan; and

Whereas, Jack Faxon was born in Detroit in 1936 and was raised there, graduating from Central High School. He continued his education at Wayne State University, receiving Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees, and at the University of Michigan, receiving a Master of History degree; and

Whereas, After college, Mr. Faxon taught government at Southwestern High School in Detroit. Called dynamic, no-nonsense and fearless, he gave students the desire to succeed. In 1961, he was the youngest delegate elected to the Michigan Constitutional Convention; and

Whereas, Jack Faxon was elected in 1964 to the first of 15 sessions he would serve in the Michigan Legislature. He served six years in the House of Representatives representing part of Detroit in the 15th District. In 1970, he was elected to the state Senate serving until 1994. Senator Faxon first represented the 7th Senate District in Detroit and later the 15th Senate District encompassing parts of Oakland County. Jack Faxon was a strong voice and leader within the Legislature. In the Senate, he held the leadership position of Assistant President Pro Tempore from 1975 until 1977 when he ascended to President Pro Tempore, a position he held through 1982; and

Whereas, Jack Faxon's love of the arts and commitment to education guided his service in the Legislature. He worked to establish the Michigan Council for the Arts, develop educational programs related to drug abuse and smoking, fund a statewide assessment program in education, and promote an examination of the Michigan community college system. As a Senator, he chaired the Joint Legislative Committee on the Arts and the Senate Education Committee. Senator Faxon was a member of the Joint Special Study Committee on Libraries and the Senate Select Committee for the Advancement of the Creative Arts and Humanities; and

Whereas, The arts and education were important to Senator Faxon both as a legislator and as a private citizen. He was a member of the Founders Society of the Detroit Institute of Arts, supported state funding for the Institute in the 1970s, and served on the Library of Michigan Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1993. In 1968, he founded the International School in Farmington Hills, a multilingual academy, serving as headmaster until recently; and

Whereas, Jack Faxon's dedication to the people of Michigan, and all those who pursue the joy of learning, will not soon be forgotten. His efforts and achievements will 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 Jack Faxon, a member of the Michigan House of Representatives from 1965 to 1970 and the Michigan Senate from 1971 to 1994; and be it further

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