The Rev. Canon William John Spaid

The Rev. Canon William John "Bill" Spaid, 68, died March 20, 2022, at Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo, surrounded by loving family. His death, on the eve of the 35th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, was just like his life, holy and grace-filled. Bill was born November 29, 1953, in Lorain, OH, to John W. ("Jack") and Phyllis Fair Spaid. In 1957 his family moved to Frederick, MD. He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church and attended Governor Thomas Johnson High School. Bill earned a BS in elementary education and M.Ed. in reading instruction from Frostburg State University and studied reading education at the University of Maryland. He was an elementary teacher in Frederick County for seven years. In 1983 he answered God's call to ministry in the Episcopal Church and received the Master of Divinity from Nashotah House Theological Seminary in 1986. He served as rector of St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church in Kalamazoo for 16 years. In 2002 Bill was appointed Canon to the Ordinary of the Diocese of Western Michigan, a post he held until 2019, when he assumed the role of Canon Missioner for the Southern Region of the diocese. He retired in 2021.

In every aspect of his life and ministry, Bill modeled gentleness, kindness, compassion, patience, and integrity. He touched many lives in his roles as teacher, mentor, mediator, counselor, comforter, and friend. In the diocese he was active in Episcopal Youth Camp, Education for Ministry, and many other programs and initiatives. He loved teaching, most recently in the Academy for Vocational Leadership. In the wider Church, Bill served on the CREDO team, was a leader in the Diocesan Church Development Institute, and served as deputy to General Convention for many years. He shepherded parishes through times of difficulty and transition and helped guide many postulants through the ordination process.

Bill was a lover of beautiful things, a tea connoisseur, gardener, traveler, a lively and welcoming host, a devoted father, and grandfather. He loved to cook, bake, and entertain. He was happiest when curating his china collection, serving at one of his legendary teas or dinner parties, visiting a garden—especially in England—and playing with his grandchildren. He excelled at calligraphy and the art of Ukrainian Pysanky, blessing many with gifts of his Easter eggs. Always willing to give of himself, he was quick to share his knowledge and artistic abilities with others.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and niece, Zoe Hauser. Survivors include his life partner of twenty-five years, Greg Fitzgerald; his children, Michael (Cori) Spaid and Laura (Nathan) Strand; grandchildren, Jacksten and Brentlee Spaid and Ella and Parker Strand; brother, Thomas (Lisa) Spaid; sister, Lori (John) Seale; niece, Tiegen (Andrew) Chesney, nephews Cody and Tyler Spaid and Ian Seale; and his "Sweet Pea" Kenzie Clinton. A service of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 247 W. Lovell, Kalamazoo, the Rt. Rev. Prince Singh officiating. The service will be streamed on the church's Facebook page and website, https://www.stlukeskalamazoo.org. Private interment will take place at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan, St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church, St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and Open Doors Kalamazoo. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S. Burdick St, Kalamazoo MI 49007. To view Bill's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com