LANSING — Sen. John Proos said goodbye to friends and colleagues during an emotional farewell speech to the Michigan Senate Dec. 6.

Proos, who was term limited this election, will be succeeded by Republican Kim LaSata.

He thanked many people who helped him during his eight years in the state Senate and six years in the House of Representatives — including his staff and family, who were on the Senate floor and in the Senate gallery for the address.

“I rise today with a grateful heart and truly a thankful spirit that I’ve had the opportunity to serve the citizens of the 21st District in Michigan’s great southwest,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “We could not possibly do this job without the hundreds of people who support the Legislature and the Michigan Senate. If there is anything that I can leave with this body, it’s the idea of trust. The more trust we build in this chamber, the more opportunity we have for trust to be built in our communities.”

Proos thanked his mom and his wife for their support and love. He also spoke to his children, saying he hoped they knew how much he loved them and how proud he was of them.

“I pray that I have, while certainly imperfect, strived each day to care for the whole person and to seek the will and the good of the other,” said Proos in closing his remarks. “This active and intentional effort has been my single objective while working in the Senate and while working in this great institution with each and every one of you. I pray that this body will continue to serve in the future, remembering the importance of caring for the whole person, and at the heart of this noble endeavor, remains love.

“Thank you all for the chance to reminisce today, and for the amazing chance to serve the people of Southwest Michigan.”