MARQUETTE - The Marquette County Board unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday honoring Champion Township's Berle LaPin, who served more than four decades as township supervisor and died in late May.
"The board expresses its sincere sympathy to Berle LaPin's family, friends and colleagues," the resolution stated. "The board honor s Berle for more than 40 years of dedication to this county. He will truly be missed."
The board resolution details LaPin's first being elected as Champion Township's supervisor in 1960. He served in that capacity for two decades. In 1988, he was again elected to the supervisor's post and served there until earlier this year. He died May 31.
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BERLE?LaPIN
"Berle was an integral part of all township functions, serving as the township zoning administrator for approximately five years, initiating the paperwork required for the acquisition of property that would later become the Wetland Park and the Berle LaPin Veterans' Memorial Park," the resolution stated.
LaPin was also a member of the township's first responders and Champion Fire Department, from roughly 1978 to 2008. He was also one of the original members of the Champion Lions Club, which formed in 1953, serving on various committees and as the club's president over his tenure.
"Berle was well-respected in the community for his volunteerism and work with various organizations and boards," the resolution stated. "His focus was always on the betterment of his community, showing particular care and concern for the senior citizens in his community."
Commissioner Paul Arsenault, who was born in Champion Township, read the resolution aloud at Tuesday's county board meeting. Chairwoman Deborah Pellow, who represents that district, presented a plaque with the message to LaPin family members in the audience.
In other decisions during Tuesday's session, the county board approved payment of an outstanding attorney bill for work on an appeal to the county apportionment decision, 2 percent tribal gaming fund distributions, a $44,000 grant for sidewalk work at the Big Bay Harbor, 2012 budget amendments and an audit presentation from the accounting firm of Anderson Tackman found the county in good financial standing.
The county board will not meet Tuesday because of the holiday week. The panel's next meeting, which will be a committee-of-the-whole session, is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 10.
John Pepin can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. His email address is jpepin@miningjournal. net.