MIDLAND, Mich. — The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is deeply saddened by the passing of Alan Ott, a longtime supporter of the Mackinac Center and well-known civic leader in Midland. Mr. Ott was instrumental in the early years of the Mackinac Center, serving as co-chair, along with Margaret "Ranny" Riecker, of the Center's headquarters building campaign in 1997-98. He helped the Center raise $2.4 million to convert an abandoned Woolworth's department store into its current Main Street location. The lead donors were The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation. Mr. Ott was also a member of the Mackinac Center's original Mid-Michigan board of advisors.

Below is a statement from Mackinac Center President Joseph G. Lehman.

Every meeting with Alan was a lesson in virtue, civility, getting your facts right, and community building. I will always be grateful for his leadership in our headquarters campaign on Main Street and his advice along the way. Midland has lost a giant who never overlooked the little things. The Mackinac Center has lost a friend and an indispensable sounding board.