He was also an assistant to Michigan State Treasurer Allison Green, and comptroller and executive director of the Mackinac Bridge Authority.
Raised in Battle Creek, North was a standout student and star basketball player in high school.
He received a scholarship to Western Michigan University, but a hand injury prevented him from playing in college.
While involved with the authority, North helped grow the annual Labor Day Bridge Walk.
An advocate for those less fortunate, his accomplishments include new medical clinics on Mackinac and Beaver islands, a new Michigan State Police post in St. Ignace, and various projects for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians.