William 'Bill' Dick

DICK, WILLIAM GARTH
of Kalamazoo, Michigan William Garth Dick, "Bill", was born on October 18th, 1944 in Grand Rapids, Michigan; the third child of William J. and Sarah Knoll Dick. On October 3rd., 2012 Bill passed away peacefully at Kairos Dwelling and attained his final goal of returning to God & His Son Jesus Christ whom he loved and shared with others throughout his lifetime. Exactly what Bill did in this life is not easily answered. While attending Kalamazoo Christian High School he excelled in sports particularly baseball and track, took delight in singing and some pride for making well founded arguments in Church History class. Following his graduation in 1962, he worked for Orrin B. Hayes, Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Art Post AMC/Rambler and in 1966 was drafted into the Army; serving his country honorably during the Vietnam War until 1968. Following his tour of duty, he worked for State Senator, Carlton H. Morris, became a stockbroker, dabbled in insurance and real estate, restored old houses in the Stuart neighborhood, and elsewhere; and was a self-taught entrepreneur whose businesses included but were not limited to Steamatic, Fabco, and Garth Coordinated Services. Even with all of the above accomplishments, however, his true passion was as a mentor to the next generations. Hours were spent over coffee and unfortunately cigarettes in local restaurants sharing what he knew and teaching others how to love and respect one another. If ever you needed a shoulder to cry on or an open yet critical ear that was Bill. But, even with such public exposure, he remained a private, distant and simple individual who was difficult to really know. Besides all of those who became a part of his family over the years; surviving kin include: a daughter, Tracey L. Dick of Tipton, Michigan; and three siblings: a sister, Terry F. Sander of Kalamazoo, Michigan; a sister, Sandra G. DeGroot of Dorr, Michigan; and a brother, Dennis J. Vandelfzijl of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Visitation and informal service will be Monday, Oct. 8th from 11:30 to 12:30 at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. with burial to follow in Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 1:30. Memorial may be directed to Kairos Dwelling, 2945 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49048