William Campbell Aitchison

William Campbell Aitchison, age 86, passed away February 12, 2026, at McLaren Hospital in Petoskey with family by his side. Born February 26, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois to Dorothy Emma and Paul Floyd Aitchison. The family then resided in Coldwater, Michigan. He graduated in 1957 from Coldwater High School. For the next 5 ½ years he attended Hillsdale College and Tri-State College (now Trine University, Angola, Indiana). During those years he worked as a mechanic and enjoyed drag racing for entertainment. Being single, he was informed by the local Selective Service Officer, he was 1-A and college deferment was no longer an option. At this time, November 1963, he enlisted in the Navy, requesting Naval Aviation; and received rigorous testing and training at Recruit Training Command (RTC), Great Lakes, Chicago. He was assigned as Recruit Chief Petty Officer (RCPO) by the Company Commander. Upon graduation, he was assigned to The Naval Air Facility, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland for initial training. Then more training at The Naval Air Technical Training Command (NATTC), Memphis, TN. His permanent duty station assigned was Naval Air Facility (NAF), Oceana, Virginia. Then he received ADDITIONAL training on the new Grumman A-6A Intruder All Weather Attack Aircraft.

Bill completed two Vietnam tours aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Kitty Hawk as a Naval Air Technician. He often flew to job sites, experiencing launches and arrested landings or aptly called “controlled” crashes. He concluded his service in late 1967. To summarize, he enjoyed the Military camaraderie, educational opportunities, and serving his Country.

His interest in aviation and cars led him to employment with Ford Motor Company for 30 years at the Sheldon Road Plant, Plymouth, Michigan in Production Management. He retired in 1998.

Loving his home state, he fulfilled his dream of retiring in Northern Michigan, settling in Harbor Springs.

Bill was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Friend. Always working hard, he found pleasure in home maintenance and remodeling projects. This meant always lending a helping hand to many neighbors and friends with their repair issues. One friend quoted, “I will just ask MacGyver on how to fix this lawnmower.”

He enjoyed his retirement free time for travel in the USA, with frequent visits to Colorado and a memorable European vacation. He loved the Windjammer Barefoot Cruises in the Caribbean, plus individual islands in the Caribbean, for preferred short winter escapes. Bill was most happy to have parties and holiday gatherings with family and friends in his home.

He was preceded in death by his parents and only sibling, Marjorie Aitchison Gentry. Surviving is his wife, Arlene Kay, of 56 years, son William Paul Aitchison, grandchildren William Patrick, Bryce Campbell, Audrey Rose and their mother Kendell Aitchison-Pelletier; daughter Raell Kay Aitchison, grandchildren Emma Marie, Macey Rae, and Trey Rollin; and several nieces and nephews spread out in several states.

A memorial service will be held on a date to be determined.

Memorial contributions can be made to Homes for Our Troops (HFOT), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). For guidance on how to donate, contact the local VA office at (231) 348-1780.