OLD PHOTO: Guys in this 1961 picture in the Michigan House really changed the course of my life
March 29, 2017
I was 14 years old and was sniffing around the State Capitol when my mom was visiting my aunt who was in Sparrow Hospital. We had driven earlier in the day from Bay City so we could visit with my aunt who had serious surgery.
I walked down to the Capitol building and watched a session of the Michigan House where I met my State Rep, Les Begick and Ed Good who represented much of the Thumb and grew up across the road from my mom's family outside of Gagetown. They showed me the rostrum in the chamber and asked if I wanted a picture taken.
They both treated me with great respect and encouraged my interest in politics. Les Begick became a mentor to me, an older brother and somebody I had a close relationship with until he died.
This is not a picture I'd put on my study wall, but I've saved it for more than 50 years. For me, it's an important reminder of two good people.