William Winsor

William “Bill” Winsor led a life saturated with honesty, integrity and respect. A very humble man with a big heart, his family and friends admired him greatly, both for his strength of mind and his unconditional love. Bill was continually guided by strong values, values that helped him make a lasting and positive impression on all the lives he touched.

The world was not a very safe place in 1942, as World War II showed little signs of abatement and more and more U.S. troops shipped out for the European continent. At the same time, thousands of women stood united and labored to keep domestic industries running full steam. It was into this time of unity and patriotism that Gerald C. Winsor, a farmer, and his wife, Eulene V. (Leslie), welcomed the birth of their son, William, at home in Gratiot County, Michigan.

Bill, as he was called, was the youngest of eight children. He was the quietest one of the bunch, and often was picked on by his older siblings, but he made up for it getting into his fair share of mischief. When it came to school, Bill was a good student and accomplished athlete; he lettered in football, basketball and track at Fulton High School. After graduating in 1960, Bill went on to attend Ferris Institute, where he earned an Associates of Applied Science degree in Construction Technology. During this time, he participated in a co-op program with the Michigan Department of Transportation, and was later hired on full-time.

Bill was still in high school when he met his future wife, Victoria Fitzpatrick. They went on a double blind date, he with another girl and her with the other guy, but by the time the evening ended, they had switched partners, which was the beginning of a beautiful relationship for Bill and Vicki. After 3 years of courtship, the high school sweethearts were happily married in a quaint country church in Stanton on August 4, 1961. The newlyweds settled into married life together at Ferris, while Bill finished school. They later moved to White Hall for a while, then Spring Lake and Coldwater before finally returning to Gratiot County. It was here the couple would raise their five children together, which included three daughters, Pamela, Mary Catherine and Andrea, and two sons, Gregory and Matthew.

Life was good for Bill and Vicki, full of hard work and lots of fun. Bill worked for 40 years at the MDOT as a Civil Engineer Technician before retiring. He spent his life balancing hard work with being a loving husband and “patient” father. By example, Bill taught his children the value of hard work and treating others with respect. He used to tell them “You don’t get what you want by asking for it, you get what you want by working for it.” Bill always had the wisest counsel because “when he put his hand on your shoulder, you knew that what he was about to say had been thought about and prayed over.” In lighter moments, when Bill had a big, funny grin on his face, it usually meant he was laughing inside.

When it was time to have fun, Bill always looked forward to their annual trips to the Upper Peninsula with all of the family. Many wonderful memories were made sitting around the campfire, sharing special moments together. Bill enjoyed being outdoors too, hunting, fishing, gardening and camping. Every summer, he had a standing competition with his brothers of who could grow the first and best melon. Everyone loved the annual corn pig-outs too, and no one grilled chicken like Grandpa! At home, Bill was an avid card player, and loved to watch Michigan State University basketball.

Church was an important part of Bill’s life too. He was an active member of the Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church for many years, where he served as a Deacon and Trustee. It wasn’t necessary for Bill to tell others of his faith for his Christian commitment was always evident in the way he treated others and led his life. Bill will be remembered not for the things he did, but for the reason he did them. His presence in the world will be greatly missed, but the memories he created with his family and friends will be remembered forever.

William Winsor died on Friday, March 19, 2010, at the age of 68. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Victoria Winsor; his daughters, Pamela Winsor, Mary Catherine (Daniel) Smith and Andrea (Mark) Babbitt; his sons, Gregory (Diana) Winsor and Matthew (Angela) Winsor; 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. William is also survived by his 3 sisters, Geraldine (Kenneth) Gager, Marilyn (Kenneth) Bentley and Leola (Roger) LaShombe; 3 brothers, Carl (June) Winsor, Glen (Carolyn) Winsor and Lauren (Beverly) Winsor; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Chuck) Gallagher, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Duane Winsor.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 27, at the Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church with Pastor Jerry Kissling officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23, at the Abbott Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 509 E. Main Street, Maple Rapids, MI. Sympathy may be expressed in the form of memorial contributions to Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church, 410 S. Maple, Maple Rapids, MI 48853. Please visit William’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory with his family and/or sign his online guest book.