Book of Memories for Arthur Emmett Ellis

Condolence From Gary Wolfram

Sat, 07 Jun 2014 13:56:16 EDT

Art was a wonderful, kind, thoughtful person who was the ultimate public servant. The state of Michigan will forever be grateful for his service. I appreciate having the chance to work with him. Mary and I will never forget his coming to Hillsdale to speak at the opening of Will Carleton Academy. It was a great help and vintage Art. We do miss him.

Memorial Candle lit by John Ogger

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 23:35:39 EDT

John Ogger

Condolence From Gilbert M. Grosvenor

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:28:09 EDT

Sibyl: I am sorry to hear that Art has passed away. Please accept my condolences. I met Art when we signed the agreement setting up the Connie Binsfeld Endowment in Geographic Education. Art was instrumental in both establishing the Michigan Geographic Alliance at Central Michigan University when he was President and in setting up the endowment as Superintendent of Education. Art is remembered and appreciated by me and others at the National Geographic Society.

Condolence From marycannon

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:44:34 EDT

DEAR FAMILY Iam so sorry for your lossIHOPE THAT AT REV21:3-4 BRING YOU COMFORT.

Memorial Candle lit by Rick and Yolanda Pethers

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:31:20 EDT

Rick and Yolanda Pethers

Condolence From Stephanie Comai

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:45:41 EDT

Art's enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment to public service were exemplary. He was a good, good man and he will be missed.

Memorial Candle lit by Sherry Ellis Pero

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:29:51 EDT

Sherry Ellis Pero

Condolence From Bob Parsons, CMU '79

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:28:05 EDT

Art was a genuine friend of and advocate for students. He was the most approachable administrator I had the pleasure to know during my four undergraduate years at Central. He had an open door policy...no appointment needed just to stop by and chat! As the communications director for student government, I enjoyed our conversations and appreciated his helpful guidance. May the Lord comfort you in your loss.

Story shared: Taking Chances

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:08:34 EDT

In 1999, I was a communications staffer at a local school district in mid-Michigan looking for a graduate school reference. I had called Art on the off chance that he might help me as we had known each other a little more than casually from my time at the Mt. Pleasant newspaper, and he did so much more than write a kid a form letter. When he called me back, I told him I was planning on traveling to Lansing one day per week for grad school and after listening to my plan, he simply said, "That doesn't sound right. Why don't you plan on coming down five days a week and work for me instead." That was it - no lengthy interview process, no hurry up and wait, just come and do this for me. I took a chance with Art Ellis, but he knew what I didn't - that I would love Lansing and the opportunities that would present themselves here. He took a bigger chance, though, on hiring me, an unknown quantity who lived nearly two hours from the State Capitol. I spent three years working for Art, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I owe everything I am professionally - and personally - to Art Ellis. His decision to bring me under his wing 14 years ago was the turning point of my adult life and completely reshaped me. I can never repay him for his kindness and generosity he routinely displayed for me and my family. One thing was true about Art Ellis - he had a big brain, but an even bigger heart. I will miss him immensely. My deepest sympathies to his family, most notably his loving wife Sibyl.

Memorial Candle lit by Jan Ellis Lowder

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:47:13 EDT

Jan Ellis Lowder

Memorial Candle lit by Anne M. Mervenne

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:36:09 EDT

Anne M. Mervenne

Condolence From George D. Goodman

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 14:14:44 EDT

To Sybil and the family, you have my deepest sympathy. Art was a wonderful man who brought a high degree of ethics to public service. May the memories of his outstanding life help to ease the pain of your loss.

Condolence From Joanne and Roger Grabinski

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:13:42 EDT

Sybil, Mark, Marcia, Marian and family, Certainly it was with sadness that we read this morning of Art's death. Our thoughts and hearts are with you now and into the future as we all mourn the passing of this very special man, friend, leader, former boss, and neighbor (in two different neighborhoods). We were privileged to have our paths cross many times with Art--as individuals, as a couple and in family settings. We each have many good memories of our interactions with Art over our years at CMU and in Mt. Pleasant. He has been one of the best "servants" of CMU and the State of Michigan that we have ever known. Thank you for sharing him and yourselves with us. We will miss him!

Condolence From Jim Folkening

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 22:13:30 EDT

Art was a great educational leader, boss, and we became good friends. When he became State Superintendent, he was pleasantly surprised with what he found within the staff and their commitment to education. He led us well. Michigan's children and postsecondary education participants benefited greatly. My best to his family.

Condolence From Maura Campbell

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 22:13:18 EDT

Art will be missed by so many. My condolences to his family. He was a wonderful man who went out of his way to help me when I was the new kid on the block. I treasured his wise counsel and great perspective. I had more than one call from "Uncle Art " just when I needed it! With love and sympathy, Maura Campbell

Condolence From LeAnne Redick Wilson

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:28:56 EDT

To Sybill and the rest of the family my sincere condolences...since meeting Art all when I worked for then "Senator" John Engler to when Art served in the cabinet, he has always been one of the most honorable and upstanding people I have known. He will be missed.

Condolence From Gary Wolfram

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:27:12 EDT

Art was a wonderful person and a leader who was respected by all, no matter what side of the issue they were on. I wish I could have seen more of him over the past few years but am grateful for the time we were able to share.

Condolence From Jim Alexander

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:19:28 EDT

Art was one of the good guys. He had that wonderful ability to always seem calm in the midst of chaos. We are all better for knowing him.

Memorial Candle lit by Tracy Mehan Vienna, VA

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:17:57 EDT

Tracy Mehan Vienna, VA

Condolence From Jimm & Rita Ackerman

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:20:03 EDT

The Earth was a better place because of this wonderful man. Our sympathy and heart-felt condolences to your family.

Photo shared: ellis_arthur.jpg

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:01:51 EDT