Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson Dies

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson has died, according to reports. He died Saturday morning in his Independence Township home. He was 80.

Patterson announced in March that he was battling stage-4 pancreatic cancer. He said then that he would not be running for office again.

Fellow leaders and local officials began offering their condolences on Saturday.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard commended his leadership and how he positioned Oakland County.

“Today, is the end of an era in Oakland County," Bouchard said in a statement. "Brooks Patterson was a steadfast leader, who safeguarded Oakland County’s fiscal stability in good times and in bad. His policies and focus in leading this county into the 21st century will never be forgotten. With Brooks, we did not have to wonder what was on his mind – his quick wit and sometimes sharp tongue never left any doubt where he stood. Whether you agreed with him on an issue or not, you always knew his unwavering concern had the best interests of Oakland County – first and always."

"He devoted his whole adult life to Oakland County. I knew him as Oakland County Prosecutor while I was a patrol officer and as the executive while I have been the Sheriff. In both roles, I was appreciative of his dedication to public safety and investing in law enforcement advancements for our communities. His ability to make wise financial and policy decisions for the residents of Oakland County will have a lasting impact on all of us for years to come. He will be greatly missed. His family and loved ones are in my prayers.”

Even colleagues who didn't share his opinion on politics offered their condolences and respects for Patterson's time serving residents.

“Brooks Patterson was always my friend," said Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. "We could disagree, but he did it with such humor it was always respectful. He loved Michigan, he loved Oakland county, his family and friends. I hope he and John are sitting together and enjoying the fruits of their lives work. This has been a long hard year of losses of giants for this state.”

The Detroit Free Press wrote a piece exploring his brand of "Republicanism — tough-on-crime, low taxes, good services and an aggressive courtship of business investment and housing sprawl," which helped to make Oakland County the wealthiest in the state. Read that piece here.

Patch will update you with more information on his passing as it becomes available.