LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) -- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff at the Michigan Capitol to honor former state Sen. Bruce Patterson, who died Monday. He was 78.

Patterson was a Republican who served Michigan's seventh district, covering parts of Wayne County, from 2003 until 2011. Prior to serving in the Michigan Senate, he served in the Michigan House from 1999 until 2002. Patterson also served in positions as an administrator at Eastern Michigan University and commissioner at Wayne County. He received his law degree from Wayne State University.

“Bruce was a good friend, tough foe, and great fun. Whether he was wearing the iconic red Stormy Kromer hat while speaking at my inauguration or debating legislation on the Senate floor, Bruce always put Michigan first,”

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