Senator Jacobs’ statement is as follows:
It is with a heavy heart that is I rise today to present the Senate resolution honoring the life of Mike Farley, my legislative director, who died suddenly on December 16. We’re joined today by Mike’s family: his wife Mary, his sons Michael, Ryan, and David, including his favorite mother-in-law in the west gallery, and I would ask that they rise and be welcomed by this body. It’s ironic that Mike, who literally wrote the book on tributes and resolutions while working for LSB all those many years, is the focus of this resolution which I read today.
“A resolution offered as a memorial for Michael J. Farley.
Whereas, The members and staff of the Michigan Senate, as well as people throughout the Legislature, were saddened to learn of the passing of Michael J. Farley, a genial and talented man who devoted three decades to the Michigan Legislature. His exemplary commitment to the people of this state reflected the highest standards of integrity and public service and mirrored the manner in which he lived each day of his unselfish and all-too-short life; and
Whereas, Mike Farley, a graduate of Michigan State University who earned his master’s degree at Syracuse University, began his career with the Legislative Service Bureau’s Research Division in January of 1976. For the next 28 years, through the dint of personal commitment, he helped a couple of generations of lawmakers gain information they needed to make sound decisions and to serve their constituents. As a supervisor for most of that time, he also infused in dozens of Bureau employees and student interns a better appreciation of the unique challenges, demands, and opportunities of working in the legislative arena. Trustworthy, thorough, and blessed with an ability to see beyond the obvious, Mike Farley exerted a positive impact on everyone he met; and
Whereas, Over the course of the last two years working with Senator Gilda Jacobs, Mike’s knowledge and perspective found new directions in policymaking. His enthusiasm for the legislative process was invaluable not only to the people of the 14th District, but to the entire Michigan Senate. In the face of the inevitable stresses that surround the give and take of lawmaking, Mike’s quick Irish smile, ready joke, and ability to connect with people were deeply appreciated on both sides of the aisle. Clearly, his warmth will be missed every bit as much as his intellect and cooperative spirit; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Michael J. Farley, who served in the Michigan Legislature for three decades; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Mike’s wife Mary and their sons, Michael, David, and Ryan, as a reflection of our heartfelt condolences.”
Just please know that Mike has really touched and enriched the lives all who knew him, and he will always be in our hearts and minds.