2025 Senate Concurrent Resolution 5

Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the Senate learned about the passing of Darwin Booher. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant by his constituents in northwest Michigan and the people of our great state; and

Whereas, Darwin Booher was born in 1942 at Rohen’s Maternity House in Evart, Michigan. He remained in Evart for much of his life, graduating from Evart High School in 1961. Darwin furthered his education by graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Banking and the Michigan Assessors School; and

Whereas, Darwin wore many different hats during his life. Before starting his political career, he spent more than four decades in the banking industry. He worked his way up the corporate ladder, starting off as a vault teller and eventually becoming the vice president of First National Bank, which later became Citizens Bank; and

Whereas, Outside of Darwin’s success in the corporate world, he maintained a strong and steadfast passion for agriculture. Darwin, whose family runs a seventh-generation family farm in Evart, loved working the land and getting his hands dirty, and was always willing to talk about anything related to agriculture. In 2018, Darwin was inducted into the Michigan 4-H Emerald Clover Society, which honors former 4-H members for their leadership; and

Whereas, During his life, Darwin was also a dedicated public servant. He served as the Osceola Township supervisor and assessor for 28 years. In 2004, he was elected to the House of Representatives where he served three terms representing the One Hundred-second District, before being elected to the Senate to represent the Thirty-fifth District. He would serve in the Senate until 2018. During his time in the Legislature, Darwin utilized his knowledge, experience, and humor to serve on and lead a number of committees. This included serving as the chair of the Senate Committee on Banking and Financial Institutions, the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on Capital Outlay and Community Colleges, and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges. He also served on many other committees including the Senate committees on Appropriations, Agriculture, Education, and Infrastructure Modernization, and the House committees on Appropriations and Banking and Financial Services. He additionally served on the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on General Government, the Department of Community Health, the Department of Environmental Quality, and Natural Resources, as well as the House Appropriations subcommittees on the Department of Natural Resources, Joint Capital Outlay, Community Colleges, Human Services, Special Governmental Operations, Investigations, and Intergovernmental Affairs and Oversight. Moreover, Darwin was recognized by his colleagues when he was elected the Senate assistant majority caucus whip; and

Whereas, Darwin’s commitment to his community went beyond elected office. He faithfully served in a number of roles including the Board of Trustees for Spectrum Health, Reed City Campus; charter member of the Evart Downtown Development Association; the Evart Local Development Finance Commission; the Evart Jaycees; the Evart Historical Society; and the Evart Chamber of Commerce; and

Whereas, Darwin was known to those around him as a true family man, and he was always happiest when he could spend time with his family. He and his wife of more than 60 years, Janice, made their home in Evart, where they raised four children. His family expanded to include six grandchildren, two step great-

grandchildren, and one great-grandson. During their marriage, Darwin and Janice also opened their home to

ten exchange students from all around the world; and

Whereas, Darwin loved to remain active, even after leaving the Legislature. He always looked forward to traveling, family vacations, and testing his luck at the casino. Darwin loved to be hands-on with his grandchildren, which included teaching them how to drive on farming equipment. This led to more than a few dents, but even more happy memories. Until his last moments, Darwin always put his family first; and

Whereas, By those who knew him best, Darwin is remembered as warm, welcoming, curious, and always willing to offer advice. He always remained respectful of others and was committed to serving and working for his constituents to the best of his ability; and

Whereas, Upon Darwin Booher’s passing, we offer our condolences to his loved ones. His contributions to these chambers and the State of Michigan will be remembered; 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 Darwin Booher, a member of Michigan’s House of Representatives from 2005 to 2010 and the Senate from 2011-2018; and be it further

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