William M. Selkirk, Jr

SELKIRK, William M., Jr.
of Mattawan, Michigan William Marshall Selkirk, Jr., age 97, died on Sunday evening, July 29, 2012, in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born December 8, 1914, in Belle Vernon, PA the son of William and Anne Ferguson Selkirk. He graduated from Belle Vernon High School and received a bachelor's degree in Forestry from Penn State University. William was honorably discharged from the US Army after serving 4½ years in the army's First Division during World War II, and participated in the invasions of North Africa, Sicily and Normandy. He returned to Kalamazoo where he worked as a production supervisor for the Upjohn Company from 1946 to 1976, retiring with 30 years of service. William was active in the Kalamazoo County 4-H Club program, serving as a project leader for 25 years. He was a member of Mattawan Masonic Lodge #268 for over 50 years. William was a member of Oshtemo United Methodist Church and a former member of Oakwood United Methodist Church. He was a skilled handyman, and enjoyed using his diverse skills in woodworking, metal working, welding and machining. He enjoyed nature and a variety of outdoor activities. In 1947, William was united in marriage with the former Ruth Sheppard of Lincoln, KS, who preceded him in death on June 18, 1990. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Elizabeth Chipps. William is survived by: three sons, William M. Selkirk, III, of Mattawan, MI, John Selkirk Cathy Rudy of Santa Fe, NM and James Selkirk of Cedar Falls, IA; two grandchildren, Marshall Selkirk of Mattawan, MI and Chelsea Selkirk of Grand Rapids, MI; and a niece, Sally Chipps Mann of Greenwood, MI. Cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4 to 8pm on Thursday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. A memorial service will be held 11:00 Friday morning at Oshtemo United Methodist Church, 6574 Stadium Drive, with Pastor Peggy Boltz, officiating. In lieu of flowers please direct memorials to Pretty Lake Vacation Camp or to Oshtemo United Methodist Church.