In Death Former Michigan Sen. David Plawecki Still Helping Others

State Sen. David Plawecki spent much of his career in politics dedicated to helping others.

From working tirelessly to pass Michigan's Open Meetings Act and the Bullard-Plawecki Employee Right to Know Act, to serving as deputy director of the former state Department of Labor and Economic Growth and establishing unemployment advocacy programs, Plawecki was always looking out for the little guy.

That was the message friends conveyed at his funeral on Thursday. It was no surprise then, when Plawecki's family asked guests to join them at a reception in the senator's honor and passed out little white envelopes.

Inside the envelope was a $100 bill and a typed note from Plawecki instructing the owner to  give the money to someone in the community who needed it.

"As you go around your busy schedule, pay some attention to those around you that you do not know. A struggling family, a single parent without needed resources, the choices out there are large, and even if it takes you months longer, you will find someone in need," Plawecki wrote.

Linda Plawecki said the family handed out about 150 envelopes.

"Dave played an active part in planning his funeral after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer," Linda said. "He told me and the kids a few months ago that he wanted to give the money to others. That's just the type of guy he was."

The gesture brought tears to friends at the funeral.

"Dave is a class act. He's one of the nicest guys I've ever met," Stephen Dobkowski, Jr. said. "Someone I know who lives on the streets in Dearborn will be getting their $100 on Friday."

Plawecki said her husband did not donate the money to receive recognition, but rather he wanted to leave an important message for his friends.

"The message was twofold: Let's help someone in need, and by giving someone the money, ask that person to pay it forward when they are able to do so," she said.

Plawecki was the youngest senator elected in Michigan history at the age of 22. Gov. Rick Snyder ordered flags at the capitol lowered to half mast on Wednesday and Thursday in Plawecki's honor.

“David Plawecki was a respected and accomplished legislator and public servant who helped make state government more open,” Snyder said. “On behalf of all Michiganders, I extend my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.”