William Francis Marsh Sr.

William Francis Marsh, age 80, passed away on August 10, 2016 while surrounded by his family at his Leelanau County home after a yearlong battle with Alzheimer’s. Bill was born on July 16, 1936 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan to William F. Marsh Sr. and Margaret W. Marsh. Years later, his family relocated to Manhasset, Long Island where Bill attended Chaminade High School. His experience at Chaminade had a formative influence on his life, and as an exceptional student athlete, he earned a football scholarship to Yale University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1958 and marrying the love of his life, Ann Fogel. After enrolling in law school, Bill’s career plans took a dramatic turn when his father became ill shortly after purchasing a Ford dealership in Newtown, Pa, prompting him to quit his studies and take control of the dealership. “I didn’t choose this business,” Bill once said, “It chose me.” As he gradually learned the business, the near-bankrupt dealership began to thrive under Bill’s leadership. In the early 1970’s, Bill served on Ford’s National Dealer Council, representing the Northeast Region. At a meeting at Ford’s Dearborn Headquarters, after a chance encounter with the Ford dealer from Traverse City, his dream of living in northern Michigan was hatched. After realizing his dream and moving his family to Traverse City in 1980, he purchased Ward Leibler Buick in March 1982 during the height of the recession and, within one year, had taken the struggling dealership from last place to first place in sales. Over the next 24 years, he expanded the company, acquiring GMC, Ford, Chrysler-Plymouth, Dodge, Jeep, Pontiac, Saturn, and Hyundai franchises becoming the largest automotive dealership group in northern Michigan. Bill held a national reputation of being a progressive car dealership owner who was willing to try unique approaches to automotive marketing. In commenting on his legacy, a prominent automotive industry leader said, “His education and intellect set him apart from most all of his peers. His pioneering approach to retailing was decades ahead of its time.” For example, he was early to embrace negotiation-free selling, developed the company’s Price Point used car brand based on the big box retailing model, served on General Motors’ Retail Innovation Committee in the early 90’s and earned multiple national awards as a Saturn retailer. A lifelong boater whose love for the water drew him to Traverse City, Bill became active in offshore powerboat racing in the 1980’s, racing his “TC Express” throughout the Great Lakes and at the APBA World Championships in Key West, Florida. As President of the Grand Traverse Offshore Racing Association, he staged two nationally sanctioned offshore races on Grand Traverse Bay in 1988 and 89. He has also served as president of the St. Francis Parish Council and was a board member of NBD Bank. Philanthropic contributions became an integral part of the company under Bill’s direction. The company became major contributors to community efforts both big and small. He helped such organizations as the Father Fred Foundation, Munson Medical Center, Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, Freedom Builders, Child and Family Services, St. Francis Catholic Church and the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, and many others. He also held numerous fundraising events at the dealership for individuals who faced mounting debt due to rare medical complications. Contributions were not only financial, but he also encouraged employees to personally participate. As a recreational boater, Bill loved cruising the northern Great Lakes. He also loved spending time his family cottage in Ontario; in fact instead of spending the winter months in the warmth of Florida or Arizona, Bill and Ann enjoyed snowmobiling with friends in the Canadian wilderness. Bill recently remarked, “Life is good. Blessed with good health, my lifetime partner, Ann and I want for nothing that is not available to us. After 57 years she is still my best buddy and my girlfriend. We have loved every moment of raising a daughter and 4 sons and now we are rooting for our grandchildren.” Bill is survived by his wife, Ann; sister, Mary Joan McIlvaine of Manhattan, KS; daughter, Terry Winship (Steve) of Casper, WY; sons Bill Jr. (Debbie), Jamie (Barbara), Michael (Kerry), and Dan (Pam) all of Traverse City. Bill’s legacy includes 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and one on the way. Visitation will take place Wednesday, August 17 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Francis Church in Traverse City, with a scripture service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 18 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Fr. Ken Stachnik and Fr. Joe Graff will concelebrate services. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Bill’s memory can be made to the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, 123 E 11th Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 or Munson Hospice, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

William Francis Marsh Sr.

July 16, 1936 - August 10, 2016