Former Laketown Township Treasurer Gary Dewey received a special tribute declaration from state Rep. Nancy DeBoer, R-Holland, on the last day of his job, July 31.
Dewey retired from the board after 34 years in township government, serving as an election worker, parks commission member and, starting in 1992, treasurer on the township board.
The tribute recognizes his time and dedication.
“Gary Dewey takes with him into retirement many memories of the difficult tasks that have fallen to him and valuable insights into the complexity of our system of self-government. With all that he has given to the people of Laketown Township, he can also take a great deal of personal pride and satisfaction,” the document states.
The board appointed Jim Johnson to fill the treasurer seat starting Aug. 1. Johnson had to vacate his position as trustee, creating an opening the board is now working to fill.
Here is the text of the tribute to Dewey:
Special Tribute to Gary Dewey
LET IT BE KNOWN, That it is with a strong sense of admiration for all of the sacrifices he has made on behalf of the people of Laketown Township that we salute Gary Dewey. His retirement from public office as the Laketown Township Treasurer marks the end of an era of effectiveness and efficiency in public service. We thank this conscientious individual on this occasion with confidence that Laketown Township will long benefit.
Gary Dewey worked at Holland Christian Schools for 35 years, including as a science teacher and middle school principal. He was an election worker and served on the Laketown Township Parks Commission from 1988-1991. He first ran for the township board in 1992 and has also served on the Laketown Township Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission. He will continue serving as the township representative to the Herrick District Library Board, the Graafschap Fire Department Board and the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council Community Enhancement Program. Gary Dewey takes with him into retirement many memories of the difficult tasks that have fallen to him and valuable insights into the complexity of our system of self-government. With all that he has given to the people of Laketown Township, he can also take a great deal of personal pride and satisfaction.
In the 31 years since Gary Dewey began his responsibilities serving as a local official, the people of Laketown Township have appreciated the dedication and belief in this community’s future that have marked all elements of his work. At a time in our history in which local officials face many challenges and changes, Gary Dewey has responded with energy and a heartfelt concern for the citizens, businesses, and institutions of Laketown Township.
IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE, Therefore, This document is signed and dedicated to honor and thank Gary Dewey for his work as Treasurer. May health and happiness be his in the future.
Nancy DeBoer, state representative
The 86th District
The 102nd Legislature at Lansing
Monday, July 31, 2023