Terms such as “champion for the public,” a “giant” and “legend” are being offered by Michigan politicians and others in honor of the state’s longest-service attorney general, Frank Kelley.
Kelley, 96, died late on Friday, March 5, of natural causes at an assisted living facility in Naples, Florida, his family announced Saturday. He was nicknamed the “eternal general’ for his lengthy service.
Across Michigan, people who knew Kelley personally and even those who only knew his reputation offered high praise for the man who served 37 years as state attorney general. Many of those tributes were offered on social media Saturday.
Current Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, called Kelley “the quintessential public servant and a legend in his own time,” while her predecessor Bill Schuette, a Republican, said Kelley “established the standard of conduct for Michigan Attorneys General.”
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered flags at public buildings lowered to half-staff for two weeks in recognition of Kelley.
Related: Michigan’s longest-serving attorney general, Frank Kelley, dies at 96
Kelley was appointed as attorney general in 1961 and won repeated elections until he retired in 1999. He worked under five different governors and was known as a leader on issues of civil rights and consumer and environmental protections.
Here’s a sampling of what people are saying:
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer:
“Frank J. Kelley was one of my absolute favorite people from whom to get advice, perspective, or humor,” she said. “He was a never-ending fount of wisdom and fun. From his college days to the battles he fought as Michigan’s longest serving attorney general, he always had stories and insight into the human condition and generosity of time. I know I am among countless, fortunate people who had the honor of working with the brilliant and irascible Frank J. Kelley. He will be missed but his mark on Michigan will be felt – as generations were benefited by his leadership. His endorsement of and counsel to candidates like me meant as much to us as it did to the public we hoped to serve. I’ll forever be grateful to my friend, Mr. Kelley.”
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of my friend Frank Kelley’s passing. Frank made history as the nation’s longest-serving attorney general. Those who have followed have been measured by the high bar he set for public service and consumer protection.”
U.S. Senator Gary Peters:
“I’m saddened by the loss of Frank Kelley. He was a legend—not only for his longevity as Michigan’s longest-serving attorney general but for his commitment to consumer protections & justice for the people of Michigan. Colleen and I send our deepest condolences to his family.”
Former Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette:
“Frank Kelley was a remarkable man and led a remarkable life. He established the standard of conduct for Michigan Attorneys General. Great sense of humor and a wonderful public servant. A legend in Michigan. He understood bi-partisan politics. We all will miss him.”
Michigan Civil Rights Commission Chair Stacie Clayton:
“Today we join with many others who are mourning the passing of Frank Kelley, the People’s Attorney General. Some of his legal crusades are legendary and are still remarked upon decades later. Unknown to many is how Kelley pursued equality in his own office and gave Black and female lawyers opportunities they never had before. Kelley sought out strong women, like Maxine Boord Virtue, who became the first head of the new Consumer Protection Division he founded. We remember these acts and others as important parts of Frank Kelley’s legacy of service to the people of Michigan.”
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens:
“After the MDP convention in 2018, I had the privilege of sharing a table with Frank Kelley. So many stopped by to pay their respects + say hello. He was truly a living legend and I’ll never forget his support and time with the up and comers like me.”
U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin:
“Frank Kelley was a dedicated public servant and a champion for working families across our state. His work has left Michigan better for having him and his example has inspired countless others to make a difference in our communities. May he Rest In Peace.”
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel:
“Mr. Kelley was an extraordinary man, the quintessential public servant, and a legend in his own time. Having served as Michigan’s attorney general for 37 years, he was, on his retirement in 1999, the longest serving state attorney general in the country, earning the nickname of the “Eternal General.” During those many years of service, he was a beacon to the State, a mentor to many, and a valued advisor to notable public officials. And his energy and genuine passion for public service inspired countless others to likewise dedicate their talents in service to the People of Michigan.”
Former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley:
“Rick let my family use the residence on the island around the 4th of July most years. A happy accident is that Frank Kelley often stayed at the Major’s or the Captain’s quarters around that same time. Sitting on the back porch, overlooking town & talking w/Frank was a treasure.”
Gov. Whitmer’s order to lower U.S. and Michigan flags to half-staff begins today and ends at the end of the day on March 20.
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