Brush Creek Mill on Saturday honored 99-year-old Dick Brown with a surprise party honoring his lifelong commitment to the mill and to the Hillman community.

Mill officials gave Brown, who also is a World War II veteran and served on the Hillman Village Council for 30 years, a plaque to honor his service. Mill Interim Director Tom Edison said Brown has inspired other people to volunteer.

Brown, who turns 100 in the spring, said the surprise party was one of the nicest things that’s ever happened to him.

“It’s wonderful and so nice,” Brown said. “I’ve had some nice things happen, but this is one of the nicest.”

We want to say thank you, Mr. Brown.

Service such as yours sets an example for all of us to follow, and it’s people such as yourself who make Northeast Michigan such a fine place to live.

Congratulations.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)