The Barry County Board of Commissioners held an emotional meeting Tuesday, during which many tears were shed, sympathies expressed, and memories shared for Commissioner Daniel R. Parker who died Friday, December 11 from Covid-19 virus complications at age 73.

 

The Board passed a resolution to honor the life and legacy of Parker, who owned a publishing company, served on the Middleville Housing Commission in the 1980’s, the Thornapple Kellogg Board of Education in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, the Middleville Village Council, and three terms as a Barry County Commissioner. He was just elected Thornapple Township Supervisor.

 

The Board declared a three-day State of Mourning honoring the loss of Commissioner Parker beginning Wednesday.  Accordingly, the Board of Commissioners has directed that United States, Michigan and Barry County flags at county government facilities be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 through Friday, December 18, 2020.

 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 16 at St. Paul Lutheran Church near Caledonia. A private funeral will be held Thursday at the church by invitation only, but will be live-streamed on the church’s You-tube channel. Arrangements are by the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home.

 

"Our hearts are broken in losing Dan Parker. But he wouldn’t want us to be sad. He would want us to find peace. In this dark hour, we can find peace in seeing his legacy all around us. It’s in the Middleville neighborhoods he helped build. It’s in parks and trails he made possible. It’s in the thriving TK School District he pushed it to be. And it’s in the hearts of people like me, who he mentored by his faith and example. Rest in peace, Dan. We won’t let your light stop shining."
                                                                                            - Ben Geiger, Barry County Commissioner.

           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Tuesday’s meeting was the final Board of Commissioners meeting of 2020. The Board took care of consent items, year-end business, adopted a resolution to issue Bonds for the Middleville Wastewater Plant and approved a resolution to alter the boundaries of the Village of Middleville.

 

It was also the final meeting for County Commissioner Heather Wing, who did not seek re-election to her Commission seat in November.  A Resolution honoring her service on numerous Boards and Committees and as Board Chair was adopted. In her Chairperson’s report, she summarized the ‘state of the county government’ and expressed that it has been a privilege and honor to serve.