Allan J. Short 1938-2007
date posted: Dec 4, 2007
...Al’s word was his bond. He kept his promises. He never spoke an unkind word about anyone, whatever side of the fence he was on…”
A week ago, we said goodbye to Al Short. Al was husband (33 years+) to Pat, and brother-in-law to Darrell and Kay Dunckel and Larry and Connie Clanton. He served for a time on the Spring Arbor Township Board. At church, Al was a faithful member of our choir. He also recently served on our Renovation Pre-Campaign Cabinet. His 69 year dress rehearsal in Christ was complete, and he was called heavenward to the main event, to his eternal purpose in God’s glorious Kingdom, after a year-long battle with cancer. We had his memorial service at the church on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The following Thursday, Pat invited me to Lansing for a memorial luncheon. Al served for a number of years with the Michigan Education Association. His most recent role was as a staff liaison and lobbyist. The memorial luncheon was held at the Kellogg Center. Nearly 300 people came. Lawmakers, media, lobbyists, MEA personnel, House Speaker Dillon, and Governor Granholm were in attendance. Pat reserved a seat for me front and center – 5 feet from the podium. What followed was a 75 minute litany of praise for Al and his years of service in Michigan education. I knew Al, or thought I knew him, but learned much more in that hour. Serving in a role that was fraught with potential controversy, conflict, and adversity, Al served nobly. He was referred to as a “trusted lobbyist”, a rarity in our day. Speaker after speaker, colleagues as well as adversaries, expressed gratitude for Al’s wisdom, grace, fairness, and honesty.
One told how lobbyists’ normal modus operandi would be to act like Republicans around Republicans and act like Democrats around Democrats. Al was different. The Republicans all thought he was a Democrat and the Dems thought he was a Republican!
Another speaker shared how Al’s word was his bond. He kept his promises. He never spoke an unkind word about anyone, whatever side of the fence he was on. The Governor brought a tribute from the heart, directed to Pat. Her admiration and gratitude to Al was clear, even though we knew they frustrated each other on many occasions.
The Speaker, Andy Dillon, shared how, as a relatively newcomer in his position, he often called Al for advice. He saw Al as a wise and seasoned veteran who knew intuitively how things worked, how to treat people, and how to get things done.
Most gratifying of all was that most of the speakers knew the source of Al’s grace and wisdom. Many spoke of his faith and devotion to God. I came away with a thankful heart – thankful for our people who serve the Kingdom across our community in a variety of ways – in business, education, law, medicine, and industry. I was thankful for Al’s influence in the world of politics and public service. The entire world is a mission field.
Devoted Christians may debate and disagree on many political or public issues (something Christians should be the first to acknowledge!) It is not always easy to determine “What would Jesus do?” But on some things, as Al demonstrated, it is clear as day – especially in the often muddied world of state politics. No matter what side of an issue you are on, you can always choose to be honest and be a man of your word. You can always choose to build your life and fight your best battles for the noblest bottom line. In Al’s case, it was for the millions of young people in the State of Michigan. You can also always choose to be upright and noble in all your ways. And you can choose, in every case, to graciously offer dignity and respect, even to your enemies.
Al did that, and in doing so, Jesus was honored.