From the Lansing State Journal:
GRAND LEDGE – The man who wrote the regulations governing legalized gambling at three Detroit casinos and signed the licenses authorizing their operation has died.
Nelson Westrin, 61, of Grand Ledge, died Wednesday of an infection he suffered during a battle with prostate cancer. He was survived by his wife, Carole; three children; sister Mary Jo; and several nephews, nieces and grandchildren.
Westrin was a lifelong public servant, rising from a criminal trial attorney in the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office to a long career in the state Attorney General’s Office, where he eventually advised the governor’s office on tribal gaming issues. In 1993, then-Gov. John Engler named him the state racing commissioner, then, in 1996, appointed him to head the newly created Michigan Gaming Control Board.
“A great deal of care had to be taken to craft regulations that were tough regulatory-wise, but also fair to the new industry,” said Eric Eggan, who worked with Westrin at the time and later when both were partners at the law firm Honigman, Miller, Schwartz and Cohn in Lansing. “Nelson was a guy who brought instant credibility to any situation.”
In a 2002 Senate resolution honoring his service, then-Sen. Joe Schwarz, R-Battle Creek, wrote he had a “deep appreciation” for Westrin’s “outstanding service.”
“Mr. Westrin has played a crucial role in shaping the quality of Michigan’s casino gaming regulation and licensing,” the resolution read. “His devotion to duty ensures that the Detroit casino gaming activities and operations are conducted in a lawful manner, thereby protecting the best interests of the people of the state of Michigan.”
Westrin later served as vice chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, before moving to Honigman Miller as a partner, a position he held at the time of his death.
“He took his jobs very seriously,” said his son, Jim Westrin of St. Johns. “He always thought it was important to serve the people.”
Jim Westrin and other family members agreed that, for all his professional successes, Nelson Westrin was more than just the sum of his accomplishments.
His son, Brian, said his father was a devout man of faith who loved his family, Michigan State University athletics, reading and music. “His singing around the house and his often loose interpretations of a popular song’s lyrics will forever be ingrained in my heart,” said Brian Westrin of Bath.
Turtle Talk 
I would just like to say that my uncle nelson was a great man, he was a honest man and a strong man. I wish I would have thanked him for everything he has done for the family, and he will be missed very much by his family, and all his friend.s Spirits like him dont come around that much.