William Howell Weston

William Howell Weston, 83 (Papa Weston)

Longtime area resident William H. Weston, passed from this life on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital.

He was born in Flint, Michigan on February 22, 1936 to Anglo and Marion (Hains) Weston. He grew up in

Flint and attended Durant Elementary, Longfellow Junior High School, and was a graduate of Flint Northern High School. In 1954 he enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves and served honorably until 1962. He served on the DE-585 USS Daniel A. Joy. He married the love of his life and childhood sweetheart, Betty Joan Birch in Flint at the 3rd Avenue Baptist Church on February 10, 1956. Together they have shared 63 wonderful years, raising two sons, and three daughters. Bill was best known as (Papa) by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and all of their friends.

Bill's career as an employee of Michigan Bell/ATT&T spanned many years and eventually brought him to Petoskey. He loved few things more than spending his time hunting and fishing, with the exception of spending time with his family. He loved his family more than anything.  For a number of years he was the Assistant Scout Master for Troop 5 at the Petoskey United Methodist Church. He also served as President of the Communications Workers of America, Local 4103 for 12 years. He was known for his unwavering work ethic. In his years beyond retirement Bill continued working as groundskeeper in the summertime for Springbrook Golf Course in Walloon, right up until the last day of his life. When he wasn't working for the golf course, he could be found working outside in the garden.  He absolutely loved growing vegetables.

Bill is survived by his loving wife Betty and by their children, Chris (Daphne) Weston, Randy (Sheryl) Weston, Glenda (John) Naganashe, Shannon (Gary) Wood, and Jayna (Mark) Steffel. Bill's grandchildren include; Bryce (Sarah) Weston, Ashley (Ryan) Kiekintveld, Mindy (Mike) Sears, Matt (Erin) Weston, Melissa (Kevin) Cranick, Elana Naganashe, Emily Naganashe, Nicholas Steffel and Nathan Steffel; great grandchildren, Hadley, Lauren and Everett Kiekintveld, Aurora, Alexe and Avery Sears, and Kyler and Jason Cranick; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill's family will remember and celebrate his life in a private family gathering at a later date, doing all things in the great outdoors as Bill loved to do.

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