George William Irvine

George William Irvine, who called Cadillac home for more than 50 years, died Friday, May 13, 2016, at his second home in Green Valley, Arizona. He was 89.

Bill, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Cedarville, Ohio, where he wandered the banks of the creek behind his home and grew to love nature. He was drafted into World War II at the tender age of 18 and served in Austria in the 42nd Infantry, known as the Rainbow Brigade. He later graduated from Michigan State College, now Michigan State University, where he met his wife and lifelong sweetheart, Joan. They were married for nearly 64 years and raised four children in Ohio, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and in Cadillac.

Bill was a forester and a wildlife biologist, first for the state of Ohio and then for the U.S. Forest Service, much of that time serving on the Huron-Manistee National Forest. He was a member of the original recovery team that helped save the endangered Kirtland’s Warbler.

Community service was important to Bill. He was a Boy Scout leader, a Red Cross instructor and a familiar face of the Ski Patrol at Caberfae for many years. He was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Cadillac, where he served as a financial secretary. He also was an avid bird hunter and spent countless hours walking the woods for work, and with family and friends, including his bird dogs.

Above all, Bill was a dedicated family man and friend to many. In his later years, he often could be seen riding his recumbent bicycle, including with his youngest granddaughters in last year’s Fourth of July parade. Bill lived with rheumatoid arthritis for years but forged ahead with determination — albeit at a slow pace, but often with a smile on his face.

He loved life.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his son, Gregory (Connor); daughter, Lynne; son, Douglas (Theresa); and daughter, Martha (Becky); and seven grandchildren: Christy, Julie, Sam, Jake, Jenna, Rudy and Rowie. He also is survived by his little brother, John Irvine (Marilyn) in Ohio; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou (Phil) Crowder in Arizona and Joan Travioli in Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Dorothy Irvine; his brother, Edward “Bud” Irvine; his sisters, Betty Irvine and Ruth Devoe; and daughter-in-law, Jill Irvine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michigan Conservation Foundation of Cadillac, the American Red Cross or the United Methodist Church of Cadillac.

After cremation, a memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held Saturday, June 4, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Methodist church with visitation at 10 a.m., before the service, and a luncheon after the service.

Published in Cadillac News, Cadillac Michigan.