Richard Whitmer, former state official and father to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, has died
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer reports that her father, former state official and businessman Richard Whitmer, died Monday.
Richard Whitmer had himself served in various capacities in Michigan state government, including as commerce secretary to then-Gov. Bill Milliken. He later worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as a general counsel, then became the company's president and CEO.
"He was my best friend, most trusted counselor, and next-door neighbor until I moved into the Governor's Residence," Gretchen Whitmer said. "I would not be where I am and who I am without my dad. Today, I'm sad, but I'm grateful too. I'm grateful for the time we got to spend together, for the things he taught me, and the stories I'll carry with me forever."
Blue Cross Blue Shield also issued memorial statements on behalf of its company. Whitmer was appointed an acting president in December 1987 and then confirmed to the permanent role in April 1988. He retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2006.
"Dick Whitmer's historic, 18-year tenure as President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan came at a critical time for our company, when Blue Cross had strained relations with stakeholders and was managing through a financial crisis that threatened the security of millions of Blue Cross members," said Tricia Keith, President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
"Dick Whitmer's leadership stabilized Blue Cross's finances, restored our relationships and helped our company emerge from the crisis it faced in the 1980s. Dick Whitmer was a leader of integrity and fortitude. He put Blue Cross on the path to grow, compete and serve in a new century. He championed transparency and integrity. His tenure was marked by dramatically improved relations between management and labor, founded upon mutual respect and a collaborative spirit. Over his 18 years as our CEO, Dick rallied the company's employees and stakeholders and proved that good people with good intentions, possessing a passionate vision for their company's mission, could accomplish great things for the people and communities we serve," Keith added.
Richard Whitmer is also survived by his sister, two other children and seven grandchildren.