Bill, as he was known, was born on July 30, 1947 to William Belanger and Ella Libby in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. Family and a sense of community were of utmost importance to Bill. Making a home in Wayne, Michigan, he worked for K Mart in at both store level and within its corporation for over 50 years, rising through the ranks of the company. Rising through the ranks gave Bill the opportunity to travel to onsite locations throughout the country, where he was well known and respected by all. He was so good at what he did, Bill was dubbed, “The Great One” by one of his bosses.
Bill was a lifelong family man and had two sons. So often, he would recount how proud and close he was to them. Bill saw both sons graduate from college and get married.
In addition to his work and family, Bill had many interests and hobbies. He was an avid guitar player and Chet Atkins was one of his idols. He also enjoyed golf and bowling; local sports and NASCAR. He was something of a news junkie according to those who knew him best, and he enjoyed several television programs and was a very frequent moviegoer.
Bill is preceded in death by both his parents and his brother, David Belanger.
He is survived by both of those loving sons, William (Kari) Belanger and Michael (Michelle) Belanger, two grandsons, Owen and Eli Belanger, to whom he was affectionately known as “Dollar Bill”; sisters Alice Valley, Jeanie Woodhall, Phyllis Smith, as well as nieces and nephews and loving dog “in laws” Boo and Bambi.
Bill was a great friend, a good neighbor and a father figure to so many in his life. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he has touched.
A celebration of Bill Belanger’s life will be held at a later date.
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