Gov. Whitmer lowers flags in memory of Senator Bruce Patterson

 Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol complex to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, Sept. 19, to honor former state Sen. Bruce Patterson, who died Sept. 15. Flags were returned to full staff on Saturday.
“Bruce was a good friend, tough foe, and great fun. Whether he was wearing the iconic red Stormy Kromer hat while speaking at my inauguration or debating legislation on the Senate floor, Bruce always put Michigan first,” the governor said in a news release.
Patterson attended Wayne State University, earning a bachelor’s degree and juris doctor. He began his career with private law practice, practicing for many years and serving as president and partner of the law firm McCabe, Middleton & Patterson.
He served as director of Planned Giving at Eastern Michigan University, where he led planned-giving efforts to strengthen the university’s philanthropic programs, the release said.
Patterson served as a Wayne County commissioner before being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1999. In 2002 he was elected to the Michigan State Senate representing the 7th District, where he served two terms from 2003 to 2010. During his time in the legislature, he advocated for consumer protections, environmental stewardship, and government transparency.
“He never wavered in his commitment to making Wayne County and our entire state the best place to live, raise a family, or build a business,” Whitmer said. “At a time when things feel so heavy in our politics, the world could learn from Bruce about how to see humanity in each other, regardless of which side of the aisle we stand on. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and those who worked with and served alongside him.”