LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer is grieving the loss of her father.

Whitmer announced in a statement that her “beloved” father, Richard Whitmer, died on Monday night at the age of 85.

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“He held a lot of impressive positions in his long life,” the governor said of her dad. “He led major non-profits, sat on statewide boards, and served in the cabinet of one of my predecessors, Governor Milliken. But for me, he was just dad.”

Whitmer also mentioned how he cheered her on in politics. “He was the one who suggested I consider public service,” Whitmer said. “As a student at Michigan State University who dreamt of a life in sports broadcasting, he was the one who told me to check out an internship at the capital to see how state government really worked. I haven’t looked back since.”

Whitmer described her father as a “proud Michigander.” He served in various capacities in Michigan state government, including as Commerce Secretary to Governor Bill Milliken. He then joined Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan, rising to become CEO. He helmed the turnaround of the state’s largest insurer after a tumultuous time for the company.

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“He was my best friend, most trusted counselor, and next-door neighbor until I moved into the Governor’s Residence,” Whitmer said. “I’m grateful for the time we got to spend together, for the things he taught me, and the stories I’ll carry with me forever.”

Mr. Whitmer is survived by his sister, three children, Gretchen, Richard, and Liz, and his seven grandchildren.