Legislator Details
Harry T. Gast Jr.
AKA:
Number of sessions served 16
Gender: Male
Age at election: 50
Vital Records Information:
Birth
Date: 9/19/1920
City: Saint Joseph, MI
County: Berrien County, MI
Country: US
Death
Date: 7/30/2015
City: Saint Joseph, MI
County: Berrien County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial: interred
Burial
Date: 8/3/2015
City: Saint Joseph
County: Berrien County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Riverview Cemetery
Marital Information:
married Vera Jean Warren, 1944; children: 3, Barbara Gast Moray, Linda and Dennis.
Number of Children: 3
Background
Religion: Baptist
Military Service:
Occupation: farmer
Race:
Education:
St. Joseph Public High School;
Student, Michigan State University, 1941; honorary degree in agriculture from Michigan State University, about 2002;
PhD (Hon), Public Service, Northern Michigan University, 1988;
JD (Hon), Andrews University 1989
Biographical Sketch:
Son of Harry T., sr. and Fern (Shearer) Gast. Treasurer, then supervisor of Lincoln Township, 1946-70; County supervisor Berrien County, Michigan, 1965-69; member Berrien County Board Pub. Works, Berrien County Board Health, 1965-70; and on the school board. Member, Farm Bureau, Lions, Jaycees. Elected Republican Assistant Caucus Chairman; Legislator of the Year Award, Michigan Ag. Conference, 1986; Legislator of the Year Award, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, 1986; Legislator of the Year Award, Michigan Townships Association, 1988; Conservationist of the Year Award, United Michigan Conservation Clubs, 1989; name to 10 Best lawmakers, Detroit News, 1992; Gaurdian of Small Business Award, 1996 Distinguished serve to Agriculture Award, Michigan Farm Bureau, 1998.
Notable Facts:
WWMW gives birth date as 9/20/1920
Served in both chambers. Served 32 years in local government and 25 in state government.
Committees: Appropriations (chair) (Subcommittees: Agriculture; Capital Outlay (chair); Community Colleges (chair); Environmental Quality; Natural Resources); Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs.
Sessions Served:
Ninetieth Legislature, 1999-2000
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations , Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Appropriations Subcommittee on Capital Outlay, Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges, Appropriations Subcommittee on Environmental Quality, Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 20
District Description: Counties of Berrien and Cass; townships of Flowerfield, Fabius, Lockport, Nottawa, Leonidas, Colon, Burr Oak, Sherman, Florence, Constantine, Mottville, White Pigeon, Sturgis and Fawn River; Cities of Three Rivers and Sturgis in Saint Joseph County
Date Elected: 11/3/1998
Date Sworn In: 1/13/1999
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status:
Maritial Status: Married
Notes: Chair of the Committee on Appropriations; and the Senate Fiscal Agency Governing Board. Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittees on Capital Outlay; and Community Colleges
Ninety-First Legislature, 2001-2002
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations , Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Appropriations Subcommittee on Capital Outlay, Appropriations Subcommittee on Environmental Quality, Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Hunting, Fishing and Forestry, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 20
District Description: Counties of Berrien and Cass; townships of Flowerfield, Fabius, Lockport, Nottawa, Leonidas, Colon, Burr Oak, Sherman, Florence, Constantine, Mottville, White Pigeon, Sturgis and Fawn River; Cities of Three Rivers and Sturgis in Saint Joseph County
Date Elected: 11/3/1998
Date Sworn In: 1/13/1999
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: Term Limited
End of Term Status: Departed
Maritial Status: Married
Notes: Chair of the Committee on Appropriations; the Appropriations Subcommittees on Capital Outlay; and Community Colleges
Eighty-Ninth Legislature, 1997-1998
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations , Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Appropriations Subcommittee on Capital Outlay, Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges, Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources & Environmental Quality, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 20
District Description: Counties of Berrien and Cass plus the townships of Flowerfield, Fabius, Constantine, Mottville,, White Pigeon, Florence, Lockport, Nottawa, Sherman, Sturgis, Fawn River, Burr Oak, Colon, Leonidas, cities of Three Rivers and Surgis in St. Joseph County
Date Elected: 11/8/1994
Date Sworn In: 1/11/1995
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Maritial Status: Married
Notes: He also served on the SFA Governing Board.
Eighty-Eighth Legislature, 1995-1996
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations , Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Appropriations Subcommittee on Capital Outlay, Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges, Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Postions Held: Assistant Majority Caucus Chairman
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 20
District Description: Counties of Berrien and Cass plus the townships of Flowerfield, Fabius, Constantine, Mottville,, White Pigeon, Florence, Lockport, Nottawa, Sherman, Sturgis, Fawn River, Burr Oak, Colon, Leonidas, cities of Three Rivers and Surgis in St. Joseph County
Date Elected: 11/8/1994
Date Sworn In: 1/11/1995
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status:
Maritial Status: Married
Notes: Chair of the Committee on Appropriations; and Appropriations Subcommittee on Capital Outlay; and Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges.
Member of the SFA Governing Board
Eighty-Sixth Legislature, 1991-1992
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations , Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Appropriations Subcommittee on Capital Outlay, Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges, Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 22
District Description:
Date Elected: 11/6/1990
Date Sworn In: 1/9/1991
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status:
Maritial Status: Married
Notes: Chair: Appropriations; Subcommittees: Capital Outlay; Community Colleges.
Eighty-Seventh Legislature, 1993-1994
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations , Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Appropriations Subcommittee on Capital Outlay, Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges, School Finance Reform, Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 22
District Description: Counties of Berrien and Van Buren
Date Elected: 11/6/1990
Date Sworn In: 1/9/1991
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Maritial Status: Married
Notes:
Eighty-Fifth Legislature, 1989-1990
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations , Appropriations Subcommittee on Budget and Oversight, Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Appropriations Subcommittee on Capital Outlay, Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges, Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 22
District Description: Counties of Berrien and Van Buren
Date Elected: 11/4/1986
Date Sworn In: 1/14/1987
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Maritial Status: Married
Notes: Chair of the Committee on Appropriations; Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Budget and Oversight
Served on the Legislative Retirement Board of Trustees
Eighty-Fourth Legislature, 1987-1988
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations , Appropriations Subcommittee on Budget and Oversight, Appropriations Capitol Committee, Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges, Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 22
District Description: Counties Berrien and Van Buren
Date Elected: 11/4/1986
Date Sworn In: 1/14/1987
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Maritial Status: Married
Notes:
Eighty-Second Legislature, 1983-1984
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations & Retirement
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Berrien
County of Residence Saint Joseph
District: 22
District Description: Counties of Berrien and Van Buren
Date Elected: 11/2/1982
Date Sworn In: 1/12/1983
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status:
Maritial Status: Married
Notes:
Eighty-Third Legislature, 1985-1986.
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Agricultural and Forestry, Appropriations & Retirement
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 22
District Description: Counties of Berrien and Van Buren
Date Elected: 11/2/1982
Date Sworn In: 1/12/1983
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Maritial Status: Married
Notes: Chair of the Committee on Appropriations and Retirement
Eightieth Legislature, 1979-1980
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations Subcommittee on Capital Outlay, Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges, Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 22
District Description: Berrien County, Cass County less Porter township Eds 33 and 34;City of Hartford; townships of Antwerp, Bangor, Decatur, Hamilton, Hartford, Keeler, Lawrence, Porter and Paw Paw in Van Buren County
Date Elected: 11/7/1978
Date Sworn In: 1/10/1979
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status:
Maritial Status: Married
Notes:
Eighty-First Legislature, 1981-1982
Chamber: Senate
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Appropriations Subcommittee on Capital Outlay, Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Colleges, Appropriations Subcommittee on Corrections, Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Appropriations Subcommittee on Department of Natural Resources
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 22
District Description: Berrien County, Cass County less Porter township Eds 33 and 34;City of Hartford; townships of Antwerp, Bangor, Decatur, Hamilton, Hartford, Keeler, Lawrence, Porter and Paw Paw in Van Buren County
Date Elected: 11/7/1978
Date Sworn In: 1/10/1979
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Maritial Status: Married
Notes:
Seventy-Ninth Legislature, 1977-1978
Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Conservation, Environment and Recreation, Elections , Taxation , Towns and Counties
Postions Held:
City of Residence: St. Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 43
District Description: Townships of New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Galien, Bertrand, Chikaming, Weesaw, Buchanan, Lake, Baroda, Oronoko, Lincoln, Royalton, Sodus, Saint Joseph and Niles ( ED 132-3, 135-6, 138-40 and 142); cities of Buchanan, New Buffalo, Bridgman and Saint Joseph in Berrien County
Date Elected: 11/2/1976
Date Sworn In: 1/12/1977
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: See Notes
End of Term Status: Departed
Maritial Status: Married
Notes: Elected to the state senate for the 80th session.
Minority Vice-Chair of the Committee on Towns and Counties
Seventy-Eighth Legislature, 1975-1976
Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Conservation, Environment and Recreation, Elections , Taxation , Towns and Counties
Postions Held: Republican Caucus Chair
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 43
District Description: Townships of New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Galien, Bertrand, Chikaming, Weesaw, Buchanan, Lake, Baroda, Oronoko, Lincoln, Royalton, Sodus, Saint Joseph and Niles ( ED 132-3, 135-6, 138-40 and 142); cities of Buchanan, New Buffalo, Bridgman and Saint Joseph in Berrien County
Date Elected: 11/5/1974
Date Sworn In: 1/8/1975
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Maritial Status: Married
Notes: Vice-Chair of the Committee on Elections
Seventy-Seventh Legislature, 1973-1974
Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Elections , Taxation , Towns and Counties
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 43
District Description:
Date Elected: 11/7/1972
Date Sworn In: 1/10/1973
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes:
Seventy-Sixth Legislature, 1971-1972
Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Elections , Social Services and Corrections , Towns and Counties
Postions Held:
City of Residence: Saint Joseph
County of Residence Berrien
District: 43
District Description: Counties of Berrien (part) and Cass (part).
Date Elected: 11/3/1970
Date Sworn In: 1/13/1971
Date Left Office:
Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected
Maritial Status: Married
Notes: