Page 7 - Clinton Currents Volume XIX Issue 3 - Fall 2019

Fall 2019
Page 7
Remembering friends by Trustee Joie West
When you step into the world of public service, there are many people to meet. In the beginning, while going door to door to deliver your message, you introduce yourself, talk to, and learn the thoughts and concerns of area residents. Next, you interact and become acquainted with other politicians at the county, state, and federal level. Then, if elected, you get to know and work with the people you serve with.
Throughout my time on the Township board, I’ve met a lot of people. Some I’ll never forget as they became friends and left an impression that will last forever in my heart. Sadly, two of those people, dedicated public servants who gave so much to Clinton Township, were lost to cancer this year – Dennis Tomlinson and Ernest Hornung.
grandchildren. Denny made a mark on Clinton Township with a park named after him, the Tomlinson Arboretum. Denny proved that the desire to serve the public never goes away, and continued his work in Port Austin on the Library Board and the Committee to Save
the Lighthouse.
Ernest Hornung served on
the Township board for 18
years, many as the senior
trustee. Ernie, like Denny, was a great family man and loved them with all his heart – and he had a big heart. I recall a time when a member of Ernie’s family became ill with cancer and how he agonized, hoped, and prayed for a successful outcome, which he received. I always called Ernie a “gentle giant” due to his stature, but also for the thoughtful decisions he made with his kind and caring demeanor. I’ve been fortunate to
Dennis Tomlinson and Ernest Hornung lived their lives with grace and dignity while serving Clinton Township at a time when it seemed natural to always treat others with kindness and respect.
Dennis Tomlinson
Dennis
Tomlinson and
Ernest Hornung lived their lives with grace and dignity while serving Clinton Township at a time when it seemed natural to always treat others with kindness and respect. Clinton Township is a better place because of dedicated public servants like Denny and Ernie. I’m a better trustee for having known them and will always remember that their way is still the best way to carry on.
retired, Denny and his wife, Elaine, moved to Port Austin, where my husband and I go to relax. Even though I worked with him for four years, I didn’t get to know him well until these past few years in Port Austin, where I saw Denny and his family on the beach, and at the local pub watching Spartan basketball. His greatest joy was his family – his wife and four children, with their spouses, and four
Dennis Tomlinson served as the Clinton Township Clerk for 28 years, from 1980 to 2008. I was fortunate to work with him during my rst term in office, from 2004 to 2008. Denny was always helpful and made sure that this “newbie” had everything I needed to do my job and make good, informed decisions when I placed my vote. When he
know most of his family, and have seen Ernie’s kindness passed down to his
children and grandchildren, and it lives on through the love of his life, his wife, Pat.
Ernest Hornung
Trustee Joie West