Edward “Ned” Fenlon, a former state representative and circuit court judge, has died at age 106 at his son’s home in Long Beach, CA.
Fenlon was best known for being an unsung champion of legislation for the construction of the Mackinac Bridge – legislation he wrote 25 years before construction ever began on the bridge. He was part of Michigan State Legislature from 1933 to 1938, along the way helping build several Michigan State Police posts, as well as getting many projects for northern Michigan up and running.
He left the legislature in 1939 to make his own practice. He would go on to become the prosecuting attorney for Mackinac County from 1939 to 1945, when he was appointed the 33rd Michigan Circuit Court Judge. He would retire from this post in 1974.
Ned was also known as a friend in the Indian community for his ability to speak the Anishinaabe language. He was honored with a song at the annual Odawa Pow Wow in 2002, and was bestowed with the honorary name “Tchi-Aji-Gon” meaning “Big Bridge.”
His age wasn’t just a number either – he was Notre Dame’s oldest alumni for seven years; likewise with Grand Rapids Community College.
A memorial service for this Michigan legend is being planned for the spring.
Popularity: 8% [?]
