MARQUETTE — When I sat down and read Tom Casperson’s obituary in Thursday December 3, 2020 Mining Journal I thought to myself that may have been the best written obituary I have ever read in the 42 years I spent in the newspaper business. It really told the story of Tom’s life in a way that I have seldom seen.

If you knew Tom personally you already were aware of the fact that Tom was not a typical politician. Far from it! In the obituary it stated that the tribute of which he was most proud of simply said “Tom was an extraordinary ordinary man”. Tom did not play politics, he simply worked hard to represent his constituents. Tom always did what was best for the Upper Peninsula even if it was not the way his political party may have preferred. It was said many times that the working relationship Tom had with many Democrats like John Kivela could be the gold standard for Washington to follow. Wouldn’t that be great if Republicans and Democrats could communicate with each other in Washington and work for the better good together. Just look back on the time Tom Casperson served in Michigan Government and you will find the play book to follow to accomplish the most good that can be done by not playing partisan politics.

Tom was a successful businessman running his family logging business. That also served him well in politics. Many politicians have no idea how things really work in the business world. Tom knew the business world and he used that knowledge to be a better representative for the people of the Upper Peninsula.

Tom got into politics to change a law to better protect people, following a fatal accident involving a logging Industry colleague. Tom was determined to help implement safety measures for the industry so this tragedy would not repeat itself. When Tom checked into changing the law a state employee said to him “If you don’t like the law, you should change it”. Tom was elected representative and he made good on his first legislative priority with the passage of House Bill 4154 Shayla’s law named after the infant that was killed in that tragic logging truck accident.

How many times have all of us been upset about certain legislation, but would never consider running for office to change it? Thank God for people like Tom that was willing to take action and make a difference.

The day Tom found out he had stage four lung cancer via a phone call, he had some constituents in his office to see him for a scheduled appointment. Tom completed his phone call and after a short time to reflect on what he had just learned, he went out to meet with his constituents to take care of business. That is not a surprise if you knew Tom, because he was in office to serve his constituents even after getting that devastating news. This is one of the traits that Tom exhibited that made him very unique.

The last time I talked with Tom about his health he did not complain about his diagnosis. He never said why me or poor me he just accepted the diagnosis and vowed to fight it. By the way Tom never smoked so the stage four lung cancer diagnosis was a surprise. Tom continued to be as involved as possible after his diagnosis to help Senator Ed McBroom settle into the job that he took over after Tom’s term was up. Tom also told me he was looking forward to spending more time with his family, which he did.

Tom was one of the best politicians (best men) that I have ever known. He truly changed the Upper Peninsula for the better through his service as a lawmaker for us Yoopers. He also left a legacy as a wonderful husband and father for his family. I know they will dearly miss Tom, but I hope they are thankful for the time that they had together with this wonderful man. For all of us that knew Tom we are better people because of our relationship with him. If we all pick up just a few of Tom’s positive traits the Upper Peninsula and the world will be a better place.

If you did not read Tom’s obituary please search for it in The Mining Journal or The Escanaba Daily Press or online at one of the upper peninsula newspapers. Even if you did not know Tom well, by reading his obituary you will see what we could all look to as a model for leaving a lasting impression while living at our temporary home on earth. Rest in peace Tom, and enjoy your new life with God.

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Jim Reevs is the former publisher of The Mining Journal in Marquette