[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 26 (Thursday, February 16, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING BRIAN DONNELLY

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, my colleague Senator Debbie Stabenow 
and I would like to pay tribute to Brian Donnelly. The measure of a man 
is seen from many vantage points, from the family he loves, to the good 
work he has done, to the lives he has positively influenced along the 
way. By this measure, Brian Donnelly lived a full and prosperous life. 
We see that in the words of his adoring and devoted wife and family; we 
see that in the seemingly endless outpouring of affection from his 
colleagues, friends, and associates; and we see that even from those he 
prosecuted.
  Brian Donnelly, who died suddenly last month, was a dedicated civil 
servant from my home State of Michigan. He devoted his life to 
upholding the law and serving the citizens of Michigan. This devotion 
and commitment can be seen through Brian's 25 years of service as a 
prosecutor, most recently for Kalkaska County. Brian was a skilled and 
highly respected litigator who was known to work long days, often 
returning to the office after dinner. Brian was admired not only by his 
colleagues but by those on both sides of the bench. His commitment both 
to his work and to his family was evident to all who knew him.
  Brian graduated from Michigan State University and received his law 
degree from the University of Michigan School of Law. He married his 
wife Ruthann in July of 1987, and they remained partners for the rest 
of his life. While Brian's life was full of many successes, he also 
experienced tragedy. Brian's brother, Mac J. Donnelly, Jr., was killed 
in the line of duty while working as a police officer in Lansing, MI, 
in 1977. His brother's death helped encourage Brian to pursue a 
successful career as a prosecutor. It also led to his continued support 
of Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors, MI C.O.P.S, an organization 
dedicated to supporting the families of fallen officers. He took what 
was a personal tragedy and transformed it into a lifelong, positive 
pursuit that filled a void for many across Michigan.
  After his death last month, Ruthann was inundated with letters of 
condolence from across our State. Some of these condolence letters even 
came from people Brian had prosecuted, who praised his fairness and 
decency and expressed sorrow for his loss. To be respected by one's 
colleagues is a sign of a job well done, but to be respected by one's 
adversaries is the mark of a truly unique man. Posthumously, Brian was 
honored by the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan for his 
outstanding service as a prosecutor in Kalkaska County, an honor he 
richly deserved.
  Brian Donnelly left a legacy of nobility and dedicated public service 
for Michigan and for the legal profession. He will be missed, but his 
many efforts and the good he has done will be remembered for years to 
come. Senator Stabenow and I are proud to honor him today.

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