William R. Renwick, 86, of Lake Leelanau, passed away August 10, 2014 with his daughters by his side at The Toy House Retirement Home in Suttons Bay.
Bill was born on March 25, 1928, in Lansing, Michigan, to the late Albert and Edna (Saunders) Renwick. On September 1, 1951, in West Branch, he married Margaret Ann "Peggy" Shiel, who preceded him in death on January 9, 2012.
Growing up, Bill lived in various Michigan towns, with his favorite being Charlevoix. In high school, he was a quarterback and star tennis player for West Branch HS.
For 30 years, Bill had been employed as a Shipping Foreman at GM (Metal Fab Division) in Flint. His peers respected him for his integrity and leadership.
Bill and Peggy spent their retirement years at their lake home in Lake Leelanau where they created many wonderful family memories. Bill enjoyed fishing with his family (especially when they were biting!) He also enjoyed deer hunting with his son-in-law and was passionate about feeding and watching the birds. Bill was an avid pinochle and euchre player...sad for you if you were his opponent! Bill had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed singing with his daughters. He was a faithful member of Northland Community Church.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Cindra (Mike) Spaans, Grand Rapids; Linda (Jim) Simmonds, Clio; and Cheryl (Russ) Horton, East Lansing. Also surviving are his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Brian (Kelly) Dahl, sons Lliam and Joseph; Shelby (Josh) Ferguson, daughter Gretta; Justine Simmonds, daughter Adeleigh; and Abby Simmonds, son Elliot. Bill was preceded in death by his precious grandson Travis Simmonds.
The family would like to thank Bill's friends for standing along side him during his final journey. A special thanks goes to The Toy House and Hospice of Michigan for their kindness shown to the family.
Visitation will take place Tuesday, August 12, from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Services will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, August 13, at the funeral home, with a prior visitation at noon. Officiating: Pastor Carlson Becker, Burial: West Branch Cemetery.
For monetary gifts in Bill's memory, consider The Salvation Army. P. O. Box 5528, Traverse City, MI 49696 or Hospice of Michigan, 4020 Copper View, #113, Traverse City, MI 49684.
Favorite memories and stories of Bill may be shared online at his guest book/tribute page at
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
.
The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.