LANSING, MI -- Former state Sen. Tom Casperson has died from cancer, Michigan Republican Party Chairman Laura Cox said Sunday, Nov. 29.
The Republican legislator from Escanaba represented the Upper Peninsula for 15 years in the state Legislature. He announced he was diagnosed with Stage Four lung cancer in 2018.
Cox sent out the following statement Sunday reflecting on Casperson as a public servant and sending her condolences to his family on behalf of Michigan Republicans:
“I am incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of my friend, Senator Tom Casperson, after his long battle with cancer. I had the distinct pleasure of serving with him in the legislature, and I was always inspired by his commitment to our shared values and to the people of Michigan. Tom Casperson will be remembered for his dedicated service to the Upper Peninsula, and he will stand as an example for future generations of public servants looking to better their communities. On behalf of all Michigan Republicans, I want to send our most heartfelt condolences to Senator Casperson’s family and friends.”
Casperson, 61, served six years in the Michigan House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate in 2010, serving from 2011 to 2018. He also campaigned for Michigan’s First Congressional District in 2008 and 2016 but ultimately lost both races.
Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint, also issued a statement praising Casperson’s loyalty and love for the U.P.:
“This is terribly sad news and we’re devastated to hear of Tom’s passing. If you knew one thing about Tom, it was how much he loved the U.P. and everyone who lives there. He brought that passion for his community to the Legislature every single day that he served. Andrea and I send our love and support to his family as they mourn this great loss.”
While in the senate, Casperson chaired the board for Natural Resources and Transportation while he served in the senate.
Casperson authored a bill allowing state wildlife mangers to open a hunting season on gray wolves if federal endangered species protections for the animals are dropped.
The bill was signed into law in 2016 by then-Gov. Rick Snyder. This year the Trump administration stripped the Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves.
This summer Casperson participated in the Lights of Hope Tour sponsored by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Usually the tour of bags lit with a candle to honor those impacted by cancer starts at the Mackinac Bridge and crosses the state, but the journey was made virtual this year due to COVID-19.
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