(DailyVantage.com) – On Saturday, October 16, news broke of the death of former Michigan state Rep. Dan Benishek. The three term Congressman, also known as “Dr. Dan,” passed away on October 15, 2021 at age 69, per a statement released by his family.
It is with great sadness I share the news that former Michigan Congressman Dan Benishek has passed away. Below is a statement from his family. pic.twitter.com/TRtXFO2Cdl
— Bill Huizenga (@billhuizenga) October 16, 2021
Benishek first made waves in 2010, when he won the Republican primary by only 15 votes. He then beat out Democratic rival Gary McDowell by 11% in the general election. But, he was more than just a Republican looking to serve his state. Benishek grew up and spent his entire life in his home state of Michigan, where he went to medical school and pursued a successful career as a general surgeon. Dr. Dan, as he was known, cared so deeply about those who served our country that he even worked at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center part-time.
Benishek made a significant impact on many lives he touched:
Statement from Chair Ron Weiser on the death of former Michigan Congressman Dan Benishek pic.twitter.com/r1ReyNiCJ5
— Michigan GOP (@MIGOP) October 17, 2021
Even after retiring as a VA surgeon, Benishek served as an advocate for veterans. Along with the Natural Resources and Agriculture committees, he showed his dedication to those who served with his position on the Veterans Affairs committee.
In 2013, Benishek introduced legislation aimed at improving response to health and safety issues in the VA. The Demanding Accountability for Veterans Act of 2013 (H.R.2072) passed in the House, but not before a scandal broke out regarding the VA concealing long wait times before veterans received proper health care. He demanded accountability and sought to change the way veterans were treated.
Benishek retired from public service in 2016, choosing to spend his time with his loved ones. His family has not shared the cause of his death. The former state representative leaves behind a wife, five children and grandchildren.
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