MICHIGAN

Michigan Gov. William Milliken, 1922-2019

The Detroit News
Michigan Gov. William G. Milliken, speaks on July 14, 1980 during the second session of the Republican National Convention in Detroit. The state's longest-serving governor, a moderate Republican known for his environmental agenda and concern for urban issues, died on Oct. 18, 2019 at age 97.
Michigan Gov. William G. Milliken, speaks on July 14, 1980 during the second session of the Republican National Convention in Detroit. The state's longest-serving governor, a moderate Republican known for his environmental agenda and concern for urban issues, died on Oct. 18, 2019 at age 97.
Detroit News Photo Archive
William Milliken, seen in November 1966, was Michigan ' s lieutenant governor from 1965 to 1969, after serving as a state senator.
William Milliken, seen in November 1966, was Michigan's lieutenant governor from 1965 to 1969, after serving as a state senator.
The Detroit News Archives
Milliken became governor after George W. Romney resigned from office to serve in President Richard Nixon's cabinet, Here, the new governor briefs the media about his 1969-70 budget, with State Budget Director Glenn Allen Jr., Jan. 22, 1969.
Milliken became governor after George W. Romney resigned from office to serve in President Richard Nixon's cabinet, Here, the new governor briefs the media about his 1969-70 budget, with State Budget Director Glenn Allen Jr., Jan. 22, 1969.
The Detroit News Archives
William G. Milliken became Michigan's 44th governor on Jan. 22, 1969. Above, he poses under a ladder at his new Detroit office on Feb. 18.
William G. Milliken became Michigan's 44th governor on Jan. 22, 1969. Above, he poses under a ladder at his new Detroit office on Feb. 18.
The Detroit News Archives
Governor William Milliken throwing the first pitch at the 1969 Tigers Opening Day game at Tiger Stadium.
Governor William Milliken throwing the first pitch at the 1969 Tigers Opening Day game at Tiger Stadium.
The Detroit News Archives
Gov. Milliken speaks at a University of Michigan anti-pollution rally, March 12, 1970.
Gov. Milliken speaks at a University of Michigan anti-pollution rally, March 12, 1970.
The Detroit News Archives
Gov. Milliken and his wife Helen at a GOP fundraising event, March 19, 1970.
Gov. Milliken and his wife Helen at a GOP fundraising event, March 19, 1970.
The Detroit News Archives
The governor throws out the ceremonial first pitch at Tiger Stadium on April 9, 1971.
The governor throws out the ceremonial first pitch at Tiger Stadium on April 9, 1971.
The Detroit News Archives
Gov. Milliken speaks at his inauguration for his first full term as governor, Jan. 2, 1971. He would serve 14 years as governor, from 1969 to 1983.
Gov. Milliken speaks at his inauguration for his first full term as governor, Jan. 2, 1971. He would serve 14 years as governor, from 1969 to 1983.
The Detroit News Archives
Gov. Milliken signs into law a bill to make age 18 the legal age of adulthood in Michigan, Aug. 4, 1972.
Gov. Milliken signs into law a bill to make age 18 the legal age of adulthood in Michigan, Aug. 4, 1972.
The Detroit News Archives
Gov. William Milliken appears with President Gerald R. Ford on Dec. 7, 1973.
Gov. William Milliken appears with President Gerald R. Ford on Dec. 7, 1973.
The Detroit News Archives
In the 1974 gubernatorial race, Gov. Milliken faced Detroit native Sander Levin for the second time, and once again won. Levin would go on to have a long career in Congress.
In the 1974 gubernatorial race, Gov. Milliken faced Detroit native Sander Levin for the second time, and once again won. Levin would go on to have a long career in Congress.
Detroit News Photo Archive
Gov. Milliken holds a news conference on Sept. 19, 1974, calling on election opponent Sander M. Levin and the other Democratic candidates for statewide offices to fully disclose their campaign contributions and expenditures since 1971.
Gov. Milliken holds a news conference on Sept. 19, 1974, calling on election opponent Sander M. Levin and the other Democratic candidates for statewide offices to fully disclose their campaign contributions and expenditures since 1971.
UPI
Gov. William G. Milliken shakes hands with Tigers outfielder Al Kaline at Tiger Stadium on Al Kaline Day in 1974. Kaline played his last game on Oct. 2, 1974.
Gov. William G. Milliken shakes hands with Tigers outfielder Al Kaline at Tiger Stadium on Al Kaline Day in 1974.  Kaline played his last game on Oct. 2, 1974.
Detroit News File Photo
Gov. Milliken accompanies President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford on a visit to Mackinac Island in July 15, 1975.
Gov. Milliken accompanies President Gerald R. Ford and First Lady Betty Ford on a visit to Mackinac Island in July 15, 1975.
The Detroit News Archives
On January 2, 1975, in Lansing William G. Milliken is sworn in to his second four-year term as governor.
On January 2, 1975, in Lansing William G. Milliken is sworn in to his second four-year term as governor.
The Detroit News Archives
Bill and Helen Milliken attend a black-tie event on February 26, 1975.
Bill and Helen Milliken attend a black-tie event on February 26, 1975.
Detroit News Photo Archive
Holding a President Ford '76 Michigan banner, President William Milliken attends the Republican National Convention on August 18, 1976 in Kansas City. Ford supporters defeated a challenge from Ronald Reagan to win the nomination.
Holding a President Ford '76 Michigan banner, President William Milliken attends the Republican National Convention on August 18, 1976 in Kansas City. Ford supporters defeated a challenge from Ronald Reagan to win the nomination.
The Detroit News Archives
The Millikens continue the tradition of Michigan governors dressing in traditional Dutch clothing and sweeping the street at the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan in 1978.
The Millikens continue the tradition of Michigan governors dressing in traditional Dutch clothing and sweeping the street at the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan in 1978.
The Detroit News Archives
Gov. Milliken inspects a sewer break in Macomb County on Aug. 8, 1978.
Gov. Milliken inspects a sewer break in Macomb County on Aug. 8, 1978.
The Detroit News Archives
Gov. Milliken campaigns with Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan in Michigan on Feb. 18, 1980.
Gov. Milliken campaigns with Republican presidential candidate Ronald Reagan in Michigan on Feb. 18, 1980.
The Detroit News Archives
The governor keeps fit by running, July 6, 1980.
The governor keeps fit by running, July 6, 1980.
The Detroit News Archives
Vice President George H.W. Bush, Gov. Milliken, Helen Milliken and Detroit Mayor Coleman Young converse at an event on July 28, 1980.
Vice President George H.W. Bush, Gov. Milliken, Helen Milliken and Detroit Mayor Coleman Young converse at an event on July 28, 1980.
The Detroit News Archives
The former governor attends a book signing in Frankfort, Michigan in 2006 for his biography, "William G. Milliken: The passionate moderate," written by Dave Dempsey.
The former governor attends a book signing in Frankfort, Michigan in 2006 for his biography, "William G. Milliken: The passionate moderate," written by Dave Dempsey.
Charles V. Tines, The Detroit News
In 2009, the Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor along the Detroit River in Detroit was renamed the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor.
In 2009, the Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor along the Detroit River in Detroit was renamed the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor.
Charles V. Tines, The Detroit News
Former Gov. Milliken has a laugh with current Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm at the naming of William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor on October 22, 2009.
Former Gov. Milliken has a laugh with current Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm at the naming of William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor on October 22, 2009.
David Guralnick, The Detroit News
Former Michigan Gov. William Milliken; Becky Humphries, director of the Michigan DNR, and Keith Charters of the Natural Resources Commission, chat in front of one of the signs naming the park in Milliken's honor, October 22, 2009.
Former Michigan Gov. William Milliken; Becky Humphries, director of the Michigan DNR, and Keith Charters of the Natural Resources Commission, chat in front of one of the signs naming the park in Milliken's honor, October 22, 2009.
David Guralnick, The Detroit News
Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder has the support of former Gov. William Milliken during an Oct. 20, 2010 campaign stop in Detroit.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder has the support of former Gov. William Milliken during an Oct. 20, 2010 campaign stop in Detroit.
David Coates, The Detroit News Archives
Former Gov. William Milliken, seen outside of Slows Bar B Q restaurant in Detroit, campaigns with Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder in Detroit on Oct. 20, 2010.
Former Gov. William Milliken, seen outside of Slows Bar B Q restaurant in Detroit, campaigns with Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder in Detroit on Oct. 20, 2010.
David Coates, The The Detroit News Archives
In 2014, Milliken at 93 again endorsed Gov. Rick Snyder in his re-election campaign. They appear at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, Nov. 2, 2014.
In 2014, Milliken at 93 again endorsed Gov. Rick Snyder in his re-election campaign. They appear at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City, Nov. 2, 2014.
John L. Russell, Special To The The Detroit News Archives/John L. Russell
William G. Milliken, shown here in 2009, died in his native Traverse City at age 97.
William G. Milliken, shown here in 2009, died in his native Traverse City at age 97.
David Guralnick, The Detroit News