It's official, Dave's surgeon cleared him to go back to work on Monday, June 23rd and he retired after 33 years of service with the State of Michigan Attorney General's office the following Friday, June 27th. His two assignments were almost equally split between the Detroit office of the Michigan Employment Security Commission and the Lansing office of the Michigan Public Security Commission.

The accompanying photo used to invite co-workers to a retirement Open House reception in his office was a surprise and fun to see for a number of reasons. The picture of Dave in the upper left hand corner was taken at the time he joined the office in 1975. Dave is wearing the first suit of his legal career. It was purchased on sale at the Sak's store in the New Center area in Detroit and he wore it to work every day for many, many months. We also paid for it over several months! Dave graduated from Wayne State University Law School, attending evening classes while working full time as a research technician in the Wayne's Physics Department during the day. When he accepted the position with the Attorney General's office, his salary was considerably reduced from what he was earning in the Physics Department. We knew at the time that this opportunity to practice law with the State presented more potential but this change of direction did take courage and presented some challenges for a time. Also, to be noted in this photo are Dave's glasses which show a hint of "shadiness" a popular style at the time that worked well in the sun but not so impressive for indoor picture taking.

The "photo-shopped" picture of Dave in the truck in the Open House flyer was part of a Power Point presentation Dave put together for a staff wide department meeting a couple of years ago. Dave thought to insert a bit of humor utilizing his new found skills in altering photos. The trucking format is also significant as two of the cases Dave was heavily involved in during his years in the MPSC were trucking issues that were accepted for argument in the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D. C. Dave and I have a picture of the two of us on the steps of the Supreme Court during a visit there about the time Dave joined the Attorney General's office. He had been sent to D. C. for a conference. At that time we could have never even have dreamt that one day he would have the opportunity to sit before the highest court in our land. On the first trip when Diana, Andrea and I spotted Dave sitting before the Bar just in front of the Supreme Court justices, we were so awed. I very much wished his deceased parents could have been present. In particular, how proud his mother would have been to be with us. She was so happy when Dave graduated with his law degree. She always had a hard time explaining Dave's physics job and now she could simply say he was the Assistant Attorney General, leaving out of course, that there were some 230 of them.

Dave's computer background at Wayne served him well as technology became more and more a part of the legal process. His M. A. in Physics made him a formidable presence in his practice of public utility law. Dave had high expectations for himself and those he supervised. He was a patient teacher and knew how to set the stage for success. He was privileged to work with many other talented public servants.

The retirement Open House reception Dave's office mates threw for him was warm and touching. Those who attended included staff that he worked under, those he worked with as well as those who worked under his supervision. Written comments as well as conversations and presentations at the Open House spoke to Dave's integrity, availability to staff, intellect, robust sense of humor, fine legal skills and outstanding work, that Dave was a pleasure to work with, a privilege and honor to work for, a good friend and colleague, an example of what public service is all about, of assistance in the midst of change and occasional turmoil, trustworthy, confident, a good teacher and mentor, an asset to the department, kind and encouraging, that Dave worked hard, treated others with respect and kindness, served as an ally and partnered in some progressive efforts on behalf of Michigan, rendered support and contributed to the growth of those serving under him. The briefs that were produced under his supervision were "of the highest quality, day in and day out." Many personal comments were shared such as "thanks for the good talks about our moms," "all the advice over the years," and so often, simply "You are a good person and will be deeply missed."

None of this surprises me in the slightest. On one of our first dates when I was 16 we went to the County Fair. That says something about our age! After going through the gate, as Dave was putting his change from the admission fee back in his wallet, he turned around to head back to the gate. As we approached, the attendant waved us away shouting, "Too late to complain you didn't get enough change back." Dave responded, "You gave me back too much money." The attendant was quite speechless. When Dave proposed to me, he shared with me his intent to join the Peace Corps. I could either come along or wait for him to return. Not a chance I would let this guy get away! Dave is a model of integrity and a role model for service in every aspect of his life.

Dave was a devoted public servant for the people of the State of Michigan. All that being said his was a practiced reality that his family and life outside the office was the most important part of his life.

Lucky me, and lucky were the people of the State of Michigan!

Barbara