Dr. Tim Beechnau and Mr. Merrill Baily selected as the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus

The Ravenna Community Educational Foundation has selected Dr. Tim Beechnau for the 2016 Distinguished Alumni award and Merrill Bailey for the 2016 Memorial Alumni award.

Dr. Tim Beechnau graduated from RHS in 1974, from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1981 and joined his father Dr. Louis Beechnau in 1982. He has been the team physician for Ravenna sports ever since and has received numerous awards for his committed, compassionate service. Most recently, he was chosen to receive a
prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Association of
Osteopathic Family Physicians (MAOFP).

Dr. Tim is also a member of the Ravenna Chamber of Commerce, Ravenna Lions Club, St. Catherine Church and men’s club; Knights of Columbus and Ravenna Conservation Club.

Merrill Bailey-graduated from RHS in 1938 and from Michigan State University. He was the third mayor of the City of Norton Shores and was known for his expertise and passion concerning improved road transportation for the city and Muskegon County. Because of his passion, the City of Norton Shores named the historic “Float Bridge” or “Henry Street Bridge” over Mona Lake the Merrill S. Bailey Bridge in 1993, the year he left office after 16 years of service.

Merrill was an executive with the Anaconda Wire & Cable Company in Muskegon for 39 years until his retirement in 1981. He was a World War II Army veteran, served as president of Muskegon Jaycees and Michigan Municipal League. He was an economic consultant to Muskegon County, working primarily on transportation issues for 10 years and was recognized for 25 years service to West Michigan Regional Development Commission.

Merrill died November 30, 2013 at age 93.