Richard E. Whitmer

February 14, 1940 – January 26, 2026

“When Richard E. Whitmer became CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (in 1988,) the company desperately needed a leader who could rally, innovate and transform. Within a year, he led BCBSM out of financial insecurity, forged resolution with state regulators, articulated a vision for success, and boosted employee morale.” These words were said at the 2017 dedication of the Richard E. Whitmer Building, the Blues’ service center in downtown Detroit.

In fact, the BCBSM Dick Whitmer took over in 1988 was teetering on the verge of bankruptcy. The company had become the subject of significant scrutiny by state regulators and consumer advocates alike who had grown increasingly uncomfortable with the direction of America’s largest non-profit health carrier. But dealing with significant public issues was not a foreign concept to Dick Whitmer. After all, just a short time after graduating from the University of Michigan law school, Dick became legal counsel to then Michigan Governor George Romney. He later became Governor William Milliken’s Director of the Michigan Department of Commerce.

In his first official message to Blues’ employees, Dick Whitmer expressed what would be seen as a new direction for BCBSM — a company that administered health care coverage for more than half the state’s residents. He said: “Unless we can agree who we are, it’s not likely we will agree on where we are going or how we are going to get there.” He asked his fellow employees to commit to a roadmap that included being worthy of public trust and serving the public good, forging new partnerships outside and stronger relationships within the company, and leading on cost controls, product quality and excellent customer service. In the final analysis, he said “it will be our people, our commitment and our attitude that are really going to make us a success.”

Dick Whitmer possessed an unwavering commitment to public service throughout his entire life. It was a characteristic he inherited having grown up under the tutelage of one of the country’s most highly respected educators, his father, Dr. Dana Whitmer. Dana was, at one time, both superintendent of the Pontiac public schools and president of America’s national association of public-school superintendents. Dick’s mother, Esther, also an educator, lived most of her 100 years as “the flower lady” of Pontiac’s Indian Village. To round out the description of this generation of Whitmers one must point out that Dick’s only sibling is San Mateo, California, Superior Court Judge (Emeritus) Judith Whitmer.

Dick Whitmer passed his spirit of public service on to his three children. Daughter Liz Gereghty, an entrepreneur in New York state, served on her hometown school board. Liz holds an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a Duke MBA and has been a high achiever since her early childhood. Son Richard taught for many years at an elementary school in Lansing. He has been a loyal and constant source of companionship for his dad, and a guardian to two beautiful and delightful children. “Young Richard” has his dad’s sense of humor. He says he has been asked several times if he was surprised that his sister was elected governor. His response: “My only surprise was which sister.” Speaking of whom, Dick Whitmer’s oldest child, daughter Gretchen, is completing her second four-year term as Michigan’s governor. Always very close, she and Dick lived next door to one another until she moved into the governor’s residence. Nothing would more brighten the day of this high-achieving force of nature than being asked about one of his kids or grandkids.

One former employee and long-time friend summed up his experience with Dick Whitmer saying: “In all the years I have known Dick, I never saw him allow his ego to get involved with his decision making. In fact, he once confided that the most important decision he makes as a leader is picking the right person for a job and then letting him or her do the job without interference.”

Dick Whitmer’s commitment to ethics, integrity and diversity was unparalleled. He regularly reminded his leadership team of the obligation for the workforce to reflect the customer base.  As chairman of New Detroit – a coalition of leaders working to achieve racial understanding and racial equity – Dick saw his role as modeling to his fellow Detroit area CEOs the undeniable benefits of seeking equity both within and outside the workplace.

Among his many attributes, Dick Whitmer was an exceptional athlete beginning at Pontiac Central as a champion high school golfer, basketball center, and football quarterback.  He made lifetime friends through sports. Dick entertained many over the years with the story of how he first met Lansing resident and businessman Gregory Eaton in a high school football game. There are two conflicting (and hilarious) accounts over who got the better of whom in that game.

The single word to describe both intelligence and humor is “wit” — a word that Dick Whitmer’s many friends across the state would use to describe him. At the same time, it is safe to say, Dick Whitmer, the humble friend of so many would be uncomfortable hearing the heartfelt accolades that will be sent his way from across the state. Despite his legendary humility, one hopes that Dick knew and fully appreciated the high regard in which he will forever be held by those lucky enough to have known him.

A longtime resident of East Lansing, Michigan, Richard E. Whitmer was 85. He is survived by his children Gretchen Whitmer (Marc Mallory), Liz Gereghty (Jim Gereghty) and Richard D. Whitmer, as well as ‘Pops’ to grandchildren Sherry & Sydney Shrewsbury, Maggie, Will & Jay Gereghty and Damira & Maleah Torrence. Dick’s sister, Judge Judith Whitmer, extended family member and caregiver extraordinaire Nicoletta Tanase and many friends including lifelong friends including Sam Karaguleff, S. Martin Taylor and Gregory Eaton.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages all to do a quiet act of kindness in Dick’s memory. A celebration of life will be held in the coming months. Please contact Nancy at REWtribute@gmail.com if you would like more information.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. www.EstesLeadley.com