Harry Gast

Harry T. Gast, Jr. (September 19, 1920 – July 30, 2015) was a Republican politician from Michigan who served in both houses of the Michigan Legislature and in various local offices between the mid-1950s and 2002. During his final 18 years in the Senate, Gast chaired the appropriations committee.[2][3][4][5]

Harry Gast
Member of the Michigan Senate
from the 20th district
22nd district (1979-1994)
In office
January 1, 1979 – December 31, 2002
Preceded byCharles Zollar
Succeeded byTom George
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 43rd district
In office
January 1, 1971 – December 31, 1978
Preceded byDon R. Pears
Succeeded byCarl Gnodtke
Personal details
Born(1920-09-19)September 19, 1920
St. Joseph, Michigan
DiedJuly 30, 2015(2015-07-30) (aged 94)
St. Joseph, Michigan
Political partyRepublican
Spouse(s)Vera "Jean" (d. 2016)[1]
Alma materMichigan State University
ProfessionFarmer

Gast's first elected office was as treasurer of Lincoln Township, an office he held for 18 years. He then became township supervisor for eight years before running for the Michigan House of Representatives. He also served as a member and president of the Evans School board.[3]

A portion of M-63 in Berrien County was named the "Harry Gast Parkway" in 2008,[6] and the Senate Appropriations Committee room in the Michigan State Capitol was named in his honor in 2015.[7]

Gast died on July 30, 2015, aged 94.[8]

References
  1. Obituary for Vera Jean Gast
  2. 2001-2002 Michigan Manual: State Senator Harry Gast
  3. The Herald-Palladium: End of an era: Harry Gast ending 57 years of public service (December 21, 2002)
  4. The Political Graveyard: Gast, Harry Jr.
  5. Senate Resolution 308 (2002; 91st Legislature): A resolution of tribute for the Honorable Harry Gast.
  6. Michigan Legislature: Public Act 369 of 2008
  7. SCR 16 (2015): A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Harry T. Gast, former member of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  8. "Former longtime Michigan lawmaker Harry Gast dies at 94". The Detroit News. 30 July 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2015.


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