(WWJ) -- Former U.S. Congressman and the longest-serving senator in the history of the state of Michigan Carl Levin has died at the age of 87.
The Levin family and the Levin Center at Wayne Law made the announcement Thursday night, saying he was a "dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, and life-long public servant."
Levin was first elected in 1979 and at the time of his retirement in 2015 was the fourth longest-serving incumbent in the U.S. Senate.
"Over six decades, Carl fought with compassion to extend and ensure the American promise to all. Nurtured and inspired throughout his early years growing up in a loving family in Detroit, he was drawn to the social issues of the times and sought ways to contribute to the betterment of his community," the family said in a statement.
"He had a penchant for seeing the world through the eyes of people who struggled against injustice and was called to hold our democratic institutions accountable to everyone – first as a student activist, then as a young defense attorney, Detroit City Council member, and U.S. Senator. Although he rose in office and seniority, he never lost his humility or his uniquely human touch. Nor was his integrity ever questioned – particularly among constituents and colleagues who might disagree with him on the issues."
The family says there will be a private funeral and information about a public memorial in Levin's honor will be forthcoming. A memorial page has been set up in his honor.
Wayne State University President Roy M. Wilson said in a statement "the entire Wayne State community is saddened to hear the news of Senator Carl Levin's passing."
"He was a tremendous friend of the university, and it's gratifying to know that his name will live on in perpetuity at the Levin Center. Senator Levin devoted his life to public service and was a staunch advocate of Michigan families, civil rights, protecting Michigan's environment, Michigan's men and women in the military, and many, many other issues rooted in justice and equality."
Speaking with WWJ's Stephanie Davis, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell spoke about Levin's many accomplishments throughout his decades of service, saying, "Michigan lost another giant tonight."
"The thing about Carl Levin was: he wasn't looking for accolades, he wasn't looking for press, he wasn't looking for attention. He believed in public service. He believed in doing what was right, and helping to deliver for people," Sen. Stabenow said. "And I'll always remember his rumpled suits and the glasses at the end of his nose."
Since the news of Levin's passing broke last night, tributes and reactions have poured in from many leaders around Michigan and the U.S. --
Sen. Debbie Stabenow
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
U.S. Senator Gary Peters
"Senator Levin was one of the finest leaders to have ever served the State of Michigan and our country.
"When I first began serving in Congress, I would often seek Senator Levin's advice. His guidance was especially important to me as I succeeded him in the United States Senate. He was not only a mentor – he was a personal friend, who I looked up to as an extraordinary public servant. Senator Levin would always extend his hand to get things done for the betterment of our country – and today's Congress would do well to follow his example of commonsense problem-solving.
"As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Levin focused on ensuring our military was equipped to address growing threats. As Chair of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, he held those in positions of authority accountable – especially those responsible for the Wall Street collapse and the ensuing economic recession.
"And – at his core – Senator Levin was a Michigan man, through and through. From his days on the Detroit City Council to the halls of the United States Senate, Senator Levin always had the well-being of Michiganders on his mind. He was a leader of unmatched character, principled leadership and integrity who will be remembered for his devotion to his family, our state and our country — and whose incredible impact was equaled by his humility.
"Colleen and I extend our deepest condolences to his loving wife Barbara, his daughters Kate, Laura, and Erica, his brother Sandy and to the entire Levin family."
Rep. Andy Levin
"Throughout my adult life, wherever I went in Michigan, from Copper Harbor to Monroe, I would run into people who would say, 'I don't always agree with Senator Levin, but I support him anyway because he is so genuine, he tells it straight and he follows through.'
"Carl Levin personified integrity and the notion of putting the public good above self-interest. As he walked about the Capitol in a rumpled suit, almost always with a plain white shirt and pedestrian tie, carrying bulging files with the occasional paper flying away, Carl was the very picture of sober purpose and rectitude. In truth, he wasn't unfun. In fact, he often pierced tense situations with self-deprecating humor, and he privately shared incisive observations about others with staff and colleagues.
"But Carl was all about the work, and the great honor the people of Michigan had bestowed upon him with their votes and their trust. He did not seek to divine their views to be popular, but rather to study the issues and advance the people's interest to the best of his ability. Uncle Carl met with more presidents, kings, queens and other important people than all but a few of us ever will. But he treated them all the same as he did a Detroit autoworker or a beet farmer in Michigan's Thumb – with a full measure of dignity but no airs, ever ready to puncture self-importance, posturing, mendacity and avarice.
"He was so well-prepared for every meeting, hearing, and conference that he challenged conventional boundaries between senator and staff. He was one of the most challenging senators to work for and one of the most rewarding. Challenging, because you had better know your business in detail, since he surely did. Rewarding, because he had authentic relationships with staff, treated them with deep respect, and was loyal to them.
"Uncle Carl was above all a family man. No matter the pressing business he faced as a senator, he always centered Aunt Barbara, my cousins Kate, Laura and Erica and their families, devoted time to them and so obviously cherished them. And the way he loved and treated his family radiated out and served as a model for how he treated colleagues, staff, constituents, soldiers and the world.
"From my earliest memory to this moment, perhaps above all, he has defined with my dad how close two brothers, two siblings, two people can be. In the end, these two Jewish boys from Detroit, these grandsons of immigrants each served 36 years in Congress, 32 of them together, becoming by far the longest co-serving siblings in the 232-year history of this place. As heartbroken as we are in this moment, I feel so grateful to have experienced this love and legacy."
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan
"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Michigan's longest-serving U.S. Senator, Carl Levin. We lost a true statesman tonight. Born in Detroit in 1934, he served our city with dignity as a City Councilman and our nation as a US Senator and always considered Detroit his home. Sen. Levin was first and foremost a dedicated family man. He will be remembered as a champion for civil rights, for his protection of the US auto industry, and for securing critical funding to begin the redevelopment of our internationally acclaimed Riverfront. His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of Detroiters. My heart goes out to his family at this difficult time."
Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist
"Senator Levin was a giant whose power and dedication was felt throughout our state. Michiganders trusted Senator Levin to get the job done, which is why they continued to send him back to Washington, D.C as our state's longest-serving senator. And throughout all of those years, Senator Levin never backed down from putting Michigan families first. There's not a single Michigander who hasn't benefited from the policies and programs that Senator Levin helped to usher through Congress. His presence will be greatly missed by the untold lives that he touched, especially the young leaders like me who he continually encouraged and supported. My heart is with his family and all of the Michiganders across the state who are mourning this tremendous loss. Senator Levin set the path for all of us to continue his great work."
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
"The world lost a giant today, and I lost a personal hero. Senator Levin's decades-long dedication to representing the people of Michigan set a bar few elected officials will ever meet. His no-nonsense, brutally honest approach to politics is what gained him respect across the aisle. I greatly admired his unwavering commitment to doing what was right – even if it wasn't easy – and his passionate approach to understanding every single issue he voted on. We all could learn a great deal from his service. My thoughts are with his loved ones. There will never be another Carl Levin."
Former Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette
"Carl Levin made a huge impact on Michigan and America. He was a gentleman, a fighter for Michigan and a wise voice in the Senate. He understood the significance of the special relationship between the US and Israel. Cynthia and I express our deep condolences to the Levin family."
Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel
"My sincere condolences go out to the Levin family. Senator Carl Levin was a champion for the state of Michigan, and a friend to Macomb County. We will be forever thankful for his service."
Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter
"Our state has lost a giant who will forever serve as the gold standard of public service. We have been blessed by a tremendous brother team and my deepest sympathy goes out to Sandy, Carl's wife Barbara and the entire Levin family."
Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow
"Carl Levin took a chance on a total newbie and showed up for me with the most rousing intro you've ever heard. He didn't have to, and I'll forever be grateful to that belief in me. He was a giant, but humble and hilarious. May his memory be a blessing."
Rep. Dan Kildee
"Michigan has lost a true statesman. Carl Levin was a master legislator and giant in the U.S. Senate. He always gave Michiganders a voice, fighting to save the American automotive industry & protect our national security. My deepest condolences to the entire Levin family."
Prosecutor Kym Worthy
"An icon. An innovator. A fighter. A true and genuine public servant. No matter how busy he was, he was engaged and attentive. Whenever I contacted him for help and assistance he met with me, not his staffers, whether it was in DC or Detroit. There was no one one like him. I send my condolences to his family. May he truly Rest In Peace."
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