Fred Durhal Jr. With President Obama (Linkedin photo)

Fred Durhal Jr., a former aide to Mayor Coleman A. Young who served in the state House of Representatives and became the first Black political director of the Michigan Democratic Party, died Wednesday after a lengthy illness. He was 73.

Durhal, the father of Detroit City Councilman Fred Durhal III, was known for his public service and commitment to the city of Detroit.

"Tonight I lost my best friend, my mentor, my Dad," his son posted on Facebook on Wednesday. "I wouldn’t be completely honest at this moment if I didn’t say that a piece of me feels empty. However, I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention how blessed I was to have such an amazing human being that touched my life. I have no regrets because the time I spent with him we

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