Former U.S. Congressman Bill Broomfield Dies at Age 96

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — Former Congressman Bill Broomfield, who had ties to Oakland County, died Wednesday in suburban Washington. A well-known and dedicated public servant, he served in the Michigan State House of Representatives and Senate for seven years and then as a member of the U. S. House of Representatives for 36 years. As Congressman, he held an important role as a ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee during the Cold War. He was 96.

"I feel fortunate to have shared time with the Congressman, to hear his stories and learn from his experience,” Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett said. “He served during challenging times in our history, including during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s, the Solidarity Movement in Poland, and the dismantling of the Berlin Wall."

His family had deep roots in Oakland County as some of the original settlers of Stoney Creek Village.

"The Broomfield Center for Leadership was established at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm in his honor," said Barnett.

The Center consists of lectures, seminars, and programs covering a broad range of topics from politics, philanthropy, history, and more.

"We're grateful to his Foundation for their meaningful and lasting commitment to our community through this Center," said Barnett. "On behalf of the City of Rochester Hills, we commend and remember his years of public service and offer condolences to his family,”

More about the Broomfield Center for Leadership can be found here.