Alvin J. DeGrow
Alvin J. DeGrow (June 1, 1926 – June 2, 2016) was a Republican member of the Michigan Senate, representing a portion of the Thumb from 1968 through 1982.[1] After graduating from Pigeon High School in 1944, DeGrow served in the United States Navy during World War II, seeing action in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater as a quartermaster third class aboard a tank landing ship. Upon returning to Michigan, DeGrow married Judith Haist in 1946. Five years later, he became the owner and operator of the Ben Franklin store in Pigeon.[2] DeGrow was involved in Rotary International as the local chapter president and district governor. His first involvement in politics was being elected to the Tri-County Community College board. In 1968, he was elected in a special election to serve in the state Senate. DeGrow was elected to a full term in 1970 and served through 1982. DeGrow was recognized for forging compromises and developing solutions to complex problems. Upon retirement from the Legislature, he founded a lobbying firm with two Senate colleagues, retiring from that in 1989.[3] After leaving the Senate, his cousin Dan DeGrow succeeded him.[4] DeGrow died the day following his 90th birthday, on June 2, 2016.[5] References
|