2026 Senate Resolution 102

Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of this legislative body learned of the passing of Joel Gougeon. Defined by a life of service, integrity, and curiosity, he will be remembered as a dedicated public servant by his constituents in Ogemaw, Gladwin, Arenac, Bay, Tuscola, and Huron counties, as well as the people of our great state; and

Whereas, Joel Gougeon was born on January 13, 1943, in Lansing. He graduated from T.L. Handy High School in Bay City before attending the General Motors Institute. Joel Gougeon worked his way through school while also co-oping at Saginaw Valley Malleable Iron Foundry, and in 1966, he earned his degree in mechanical engineering; and

Whereas, During the Vietnam War, Joel Gougeon proudly served with the 497th “Nite Owl” Tactical Fighter Squadron of the United States Air Force. During the course of his honorable service, Joel Gougeon flew 198 night combat missions and rose to the rank of captain. For his bravery and sacrifice, Joel Gougeon was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice and was decorated with 14 Air Medals; and

Whereas, After completing five years of active military service, Joel Gougeon returned home and co-

founded a successful business with his brothers Meade and Jan. Gougeon Brothers, Inc. manufactured high

performance sailboats, West System epoxy bonding adhesives, and wind energy blades. Joel Gougeon served

in numerous roles with the company, including as secretary/treasurer, president, and a member of the

board of directors; and

Whereas, Joel Gougeon found great joy in serving his community. From 1984 to 1990, he served on the Bay County Board of Commissioners. Additionally, Joel Gougeon was president of the Bay City Lions Club and an original incorporator of the Bay County Crime Stoppers. He was also a member of the Elks, American Legion Post 18, Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 494, the John Glenn High School Boosters, the Holy Rosary Academy Board of Directors, and the Bay City Growth Alliance; and

Whereas, In a special election held on March 15, 1993, Joel Gougeon continued his public service when he was elected to represent the Thirty-fourth District in the Michigan Senate. During his time in the Legislature, Joel Gougeon was active in his committee assignments, which included holding leadership positions. He served as the chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry and the Senate Committee on Families, Mental Health and Human Services, as well as the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on Community Health and Retirement. Joel Gougeon was also a member of the Senate committees on Local Government and Urban Development; Economic Development, International Trade and Regulatory Affairs; Financial Services; and Farming, Agribusiness and Food Systems, as well as the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on Capital Outlay and the Family Independence Agency; and

Whereas, During his time in the Senate, Joel Gougeon was recognized as a highly effective legislator, well versed in the issues facing the state, and well liked by his colleagues. With a focus on allocating resources where they could provide the greatest impact, one of his proudest accomplishments was his work on rewriting the Mental Health Code, with the goal of reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and expanding supports for mental health research. He also worked to direct funding to health clinics, women’s shelters, cancer centers, a skateboard park, and local colleges and universities. Joel Gougeon served in the Senate until 2002 and upon retirement from the Senate, he founded his own consulting company where he continued to work tirelessly to support local hospitals, colleges, universities, and community organizations; and

Whereas, Joel Gougeon’s inherent curiosity led him to having a number of hobbies that he could be found partaking in on any given day. His outdoor enjoyments included ice boating, sailing, and powerboating. He was an antique car enthusiast, which included his Ford Thunderbird that he would often take to car shows. Joel Gougeon was also a voracious reader who loved to share his knowledge and insights with others; and

Whereas, On top of his professional and personal accomplishments, Joel Gougeon was also a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is remembered for his devotion to his family, which included his wife, Kaye, who he shared 60 happy years of marriage with. Their love brought along their daughter, Amy, and three treasured grandchildren, Joshua, Andrew, and Rebecca. Some of Joel Gougeon’s most cherished memories came from his laughter- and adventure-filled road trips with his family; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Joel Gougeon, former member of the Michigan Senate from 1993 to 2002; and be it further

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