Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags within the State Capitol Complex to be lowered to half-staff on Friday, September 19, 2025, to honor and remember former state Senator Bruce Patterson who recently passed away.

“Bruce was a good friend, tough foe, and great fun. Whether he was wearing the iconic red Stormy Kromer hat while speaking at my inauguration or debating legislation on the Senate floor, Bruce always put Michigan first,” said Governor Whitmer. “He never wavered in his commitment to making Wayne County and our entire state the best place to live, raise a family, or build a business. At a time when things feel so heavy in our politics, the world could learn from Bruce about how to see humanity in each other, regardless of which side of the aisle we stand on. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and those who worked with and served alongside him.”

Former state Senator Patterson attended Wayne State University, earning a bachelor's degree and juris doctor. Patterson began his career with private law practice, practicing for many years and serving as president and partner of McCabe, Middleton & Patterson, P.C. His career in community service began when he served as Director of Planned Giving at Eastern Michigan University, where he led planned-giving efforts to strengthen the university’s philanthropic programs.

Patterson began in public service at the local level, serving as a Wayne County Commissioner before being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1999. In 2002 he was elected to the Michigan State Senate representing the 7th District, where he served two terms from 2003 to 2010. During his time in the legislature, he advocated for consumer protections, environmental stewardship, and government transparency.

The State of Michigan recognizes the duty, honor, and service of former state Senator Bruce Patterson by lowering flags to half-staff within the State Capitol Complex. Michigan residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations also are encouraged to display the flag at half-staff. 
 
To lower flags to half-staff, flags should be hoisted first to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The process is reversed before the flag is lowered for the day.    
 
Flags should be returned to full staff within the State Capitol Complex on Saturday, September 20, 2025.