Richard “Rick” Simonson of Baldwin passed away at his home on Big Star Lake. He was born January 16, 1950 in Flint, Michigan to William and Jean (Shephard) Simonson. Rick was a 1968 graduate from Baldwin High School. He graduated from Albion College in 1972, with a degree in Political Science and Economics. He is a past member of the Albion College Board of Trustees. He was a former member and secretary for the Michigan Judicial tenure Commission- appointed by Governor John Engler, Immediate past Chairman of the Michigan Judges Retirement Board, Executive Director of President Gerald R. Ford’s presidential election, Campaign, Chairman of the committee to elect Michigan’s first woman to sit on the Michigan Supreme Court, Chief Justice Mary Colman. Rick was currently serving in his 36th year as parliamentarian for the Michigan Republican Party. Rick was a 14 year advocate for the Oakland County Schools, where he was Deputy Superintendent. He served 16 years as Chief of Staff in the Michigan Senate under Oakland County Senators Donald Bishop and Richard Fessler. He was a developer of the Baldwin Promise, and very instrumental in its formation. Rick was very active in the Lake County Community Foundation establishing and funding the Simonson Scholarship. Mr. Simonson is survived by his mother, Jean Johnson of Arizona and Michigan; brother, Rodney (Sharon) Simonson; their children, Ginger O’Day, Scott Simonson, Erin Simonson; sister, Janice Simonson; and her children, Mariah Gormas and Thadd Gormas. He is also survived by many great nieces, nephews, many friends and colleagues. A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, July 20, 2012 at the Baldwin Congregational Church. Visitation will be from 10 until 11 a.m. Rev Larry Doorn and Rev. Vern Powers will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery at 2 p.m. in Lieu of Flowers friends and family may donate to the Simonson Scholarship Fund and the Baldwin Promise donation to either fund can be made through the LCCF, p.o. box 995 Baldwin, MI 49304. Donations may also be given to Albion College-Simonson Scholarship Fund. Arrangements by the Verdun Funeral Home of Baldwin.