Former Kalamazoo Lawmaker Ed LaForge Dies at 82

Rick Snyder has ordered flags flown at half-staff for former Michigan state representative and Kalamazoo councilman Ed LaForge, who died last Friday, January 19th. LaForge was 82.

Governor "Ed was a deeply beloved and respected public servant. He was fierce in his politics and generous with this love," - Sean McCann via MLive.

LaForge served 10 years on the Kalamazoo City Commission. He then served in the Michigan House. He was term limited in 2000. He ran in a newly created district in 2002 but lost to Tom George.

LaForge fought passionately for the causes he championed, including women's and children's rights.

According to his obituary, LaForge was a plumber and pipefitter, a nurse and a carpenter by trade. He is survived by his widow and numerous children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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