William "Bill" Arthur Wood class of 1968
Rochester Hills - Peacefully, with family by his side, William Arthur Wood transitioned into his next life on July 26, 2018. He leaves behind his wife and best friend, Jane (Gebhart); two sons Andrew (Melissa), Patrick (Holly), four grandchildren -- Anderson, MacKenzie, William and Ella; and a lifetime collection of family and friends.
Born September 24, 1950 in East Lansing, Bill graduated from Okemos High School in 1968. He earned his bachelor and masters degrees from Michigan State University. In 1975, he met and married Jane. They started their family in Troy, raised them in Rochester Hills and enjoyed abundant good times at their vacation condo in Charlevoix. Bill spent most of his career at Chrysler Financial where he retired in 2007.
Bill - "GB" to his grandkids - was a gentle soul with a quiet sense of humor and an understated style that made a lasting impression on everyone. While enjoying every moment of his own life, Bill's legacy is the wonderful memories he created for others. In partnership with Jane, he hosted fun-filled celebrations; took friends for boat rides; championed tailgate parties for MSU football; hung out with his grandkids and embraced every family dinner. He was also the resident tech guy, video creator and avid bird watcher. Bill will be missed in every way and will be remembered always. Memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.
Published by The Detroit News & Detroit Free Press on Aug. 5, 2018.
Thank you to Bob Chetrick class of 1967 and Andrew Linnell class of 1968 for notification.
Laurel Winkel (1968)
I will miss Bill - he was such a nice, nice person; both kind and fun at the same time. My condolences to his family and all who loved him.
Sue Geahan (Hilleary) (1968)
I am so saddened at hearing of the passing of Bill. Bill, Kit Mayes, Diane Hilleary and myself ( Sue Geahan Hilleary) doubled for our senior prom and then to the sand dunes the next day. We were all neighbors and just good friends but we had a super time. It is with a heavy heart that I realized I am the lone survivor of that foursome- great people taken way too soon. If Bills family reads this I hope that know how wonderful and kind Bill was- and what is funny is my future husband, scott Hilleary bought my engagement ring from none other than Bill, while he was working at the mall at a jewelers store. I leave with a smile on my face and good thoughts of a really great friend and neighbor. 💕