Former Amber supervisor dies

By Rob Alway

Editor-in-Chief.

AMBER TWP. – Former Amber Township Supervisor Larry Donovan died Tuesday of an extended illness. He was 80-years-old.

After retiring from Memorial Medical Center, he served 12 years as township supervisor, replacing Herbert “Bud” Hall. He, along with Hall, saw major expansion of Amber’s commercial district, especially along the U.S. 10 corridor between Meyers and Dennis roads. He also was active in the expansion of Ludington’s sewer system to Ludington, through Amber Township and also north to West Shore Community College.

 Residents who live on U.S. 10 between Ludington and Scottville and who live on Stiles Road between U.S. 10 and Sugar Grove Road now have access to municipal sewer.

He also saw major road improvements including the paving of Johnson Road between Stiles and Brye roads.

 “He was just a very intelligent and sincere man,” said Jim Gallie, who recently replaced Donovan as supervisor. “

“He was great to work with. He always had the best interest of the citizens of Amber Township in mind.”

“What I really liked about him was that he was very business-like when it came to township business but he had this wonderful old Irish sense of humor,” Gallie said. “He could use that Irish wit just perfect. He would say something and would then pause and I had to ask myself if he was being serious or not. Then, he would just grin.

“He taught me a lot while I served as a township trustee, the proper way to do things. I will try to carry that forward.”

Scottville City Manager Amy Williams said she has known Donovan since he became supervisor. Since Amber Township is neighbors with Scottville the two worked close on many occasions.

“He was a very good man. I worked with Larry on many county boards. Scottville and Amber did some land swap agreements and we worked together well.”