Willard "Bill" Golden, 84, of Traverse City and Oro Valley, Ariz., passed away on Monday, June 18, with his loving family at his side. Bill was born on May 26, 1928, to Nathaniel and Martha (Carlisle) Golden in Traverse City. Bill resided in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa before returning to Traverse City where he stayed until his death.

On May 7, 1949, Bill married the former Barbara Jean "Red" Blanchard. She passed away in 2007.

In 1954, Bill and his father, Nathaniel, bought Friedrich's Shoes. In 1968, Bill became the sole owner and changed the name to Golden Shoes which continues to be a prominent family owned business in downtown Traverse City. After the death of his father in 1969, Bill became owner of Golden-Fowler Home Furnishings, and continued to oversee the business until he sold it in 1986. Bill was also a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, The Elks Club, Oro Valley Country Club, and The Traverse City Golf and Country Club for many years.

Over the years, Bill enjoyed skiing, playing golf, and playing cards with his "gin" buddies at the Elks Club and Oro Valley Country Club. He especially enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family during the holidays and summers at the pool. Bill will always be remembered for his generosity to his family.

Bill is survived by his children Craig (Jenny) Golden of Suttons Bay, Candice Golden of Petoskey, Michael "Jocko" (Karen) Golden of Brighton, Mark (Candy) Golden of Traverse City, Elizabeth (Patricia - special friend) Golden of Cheboygan, William (Amy) Golden of Traverse City, and Barbara (David) Rickard of Grand Haven, grandchildren Melissa (Dr. Rich) Martin and Mallory Golden, McKenzie and Max Golden, Lauren Golden, Kalie, Cameron and Keaghan Rickard, great grandchildren Matthew and Christopher Martin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Betty (Richard) Riley of Arizona; brother-in-law and sister-in-law William (Phyl) Blanchard of Petoskey; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, brothers Richard and Robert, and parents Nathaniel and Martha.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, June 21, 2012, from 4 to 7 pm at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home with a vigil service at 7 pm.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, June 22, 2012 at 11:00 am at St. Francis Catholic Church with Rev. Kenneth Stachnik officiating. Interment will follow at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Scholarship
Fund or Athletic Department.