OBITUARY
William "Bill" Harry Colyer
November 29, 1931 – December 28, 2020
On December 28, 2020, William Harry “Bill” Colyer, passed away peacefully at home, age 89. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Martha Colyer, and his beloved half-sister Ellen Joyce Conklin. His memory will continue to be celebrated by the loving families of his children Michael Colyer, Lisa Choate, and Anne Wright, seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, seven nieces and nephews, his ex-wife and good friend Judith Anne Colyer, and his former companion and dear friend of the family, Geraldine Cawthra.
Born and educated in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bill graduated from Valparaiso Technical Institute before being drafted into the United States Army. He served in Korea for 13 months, bringing home a lucky shrapnel shard that landed inches from his body, leaving him unharmed, with a thirst for travel and a new-found zeal to live life to the fullest.
After the war, Bill took his parents on their first-ever cross-country vacation. He earned his degree from Ferris State, married Judith, and taught at Byron Center High School. He loved his job and was proud of his students, often giving them imaginative nicknames. He often spoke with pride after reading about his former students’ successes online.
While raising the three children, he taught high school and driver’s education, and photographed hundreds of former students’ weddings throughout the 1960s-1980s. His family were members of Plymouth United Church of Christ and have many fond memories of potlucks, holiday celebrations, Arts Festival food booths, and sharing fellowship with good friends from Plymouth. Every school break and summer found Bill taking his family on trips: to the Osh Kosh air shows in Wisconsin, fishing in Canada, relaxing on Lake Michigan, annual spring break trips to Hilton Head Island, and driving across the country in the motor home. Bill loved exploring. He eventually visited 49 states and toured Europe 12 times. In retirement, he taught driver’s education and volunteered at seven charities.
The G.I. whose life was altered by that lucky shrapnel led a fulfilling life. Bill will be remembered fondly by many family members, friends, and former students who were lucky to know his kind, generous heart. A memorial will be held after COVID restrictions are lifted and his remains will be laid to rest in Plymouth United Church of Christ’s memorial garden.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to please consider making a gift to the American Heart Association, 2469 Woodlake Circle, Suite 100, Okemos, MI 48864.
DONATIONS
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American Heart Association
2469 Woodlake Circle Suite 100 , Okemos, Michigan 48864
Memories
William "Bill" Harry Colyer
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYEmmanuelle (Soulé) Christian
January 5, 2021
Bill was my "american father". As I came for the first time to spend one month as Anne's French exchange 1984, I met a wonderful family. Bill and Judith opened me so widely their home that I pretty soon fell part of the family. I have so wonderful memories from camping with the mobile home at the Michigan lake, discovering Michigan, visiting Carol in Atlanta, Lisa at the Michigan State University, Grand Ma's birthday, and so much more because every day was filled with Love and Joy and Sharing. A very nice friendship was born. And we had from then a wonderful time together. Later on through France, in Nürnberg, in Barcelona, at my Wedding, Anne's Wedding ... Bill would call me every year for my birthday and anniversary.
He was always positive, friendly, with a warm smile on the lips, wanting to pelase, generous of his time, interested in the live and preoccupations of others, curious of every thing.
I am profoundly grateful for having crossed Bill's live path.
Bill, you will stay in my heart for ever.
With all my love and compassion to the Colyer Family.
Barb ( wierenga) Harig
January 3, 2021
I had Mr. Colyer for a teacher and for drivers ed. The one thing l remember and thanked him for is my exam. My class was the last one for the day and he offered to let us stay longer so we could finish and because l did l got an A. I will never forget that. Also he made driving fun.
Anne (Colyer) Wright
January 3, 2021
Thank you so much to everyone who has written such kind things about my wonderful father. It has comforted me greatly to read how much you loved and admired him. I'm so glad you have such warm memories of him, he would have loved that.
For my part, I will always remember how happy his family made him. Dad loved family holidays, vacations, driving us everywhere (he sure loved driving, didn't he?), being there for every violin concert, dance recital, festival food booth, Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas Eve church service... all of it. He reveled in being helpful--whether at Byron Center, at church, for friends, for his kids, for his former students, and for the charities he supported after he retired. Dad would never have considered himself to be selfless, but he was. His joy was in helping other people, particularly his family, to be happy and fulfilled.
I was the last family member to see him and I will share what I told him as I left his room that night. I'd spent the afternoon with him. I played "Fiddler on the Roof" (he loved musicals) and talked to him, while tidying his room and moving photos of his family to where he might see them. I debated sleeping in the chair next to him, but he was responding to the nurses, so I thought he was strong enough to make it through the night. He turned his head towards me as I played him all the voicemails that were left on his phone by family and friends. Then, I rested my hand on his arm and said, "Dad, I've been with you all evening. Lisa was here this morning and I'm going to stay at her house tonight. I'll be back tomorrow, but you can go if you need to. You have been so strong for so long. You raised Mike, Lisa, and I to be strong. We're strong enough to go on without you. You did a great job raising us and nobody here has any regrets. You know we love you and we know you love us. I'll be back in the morning, but you can go if you need to. We'll be okay. We love you, Dad."
We will always love you, Dad.
Julie Braendle Zanutta
January 1, 2021
My deepest sympathies to all of you. Bill was always such a good friend to our entire family and especially to my parents, Karen and Larry Braendle. Mom and Dad were always happy to have him drop by. He was a supportive and loyal and generous friend. He always had a big hug and a ready laugh. I hope you find comfort in your memories and know that many others have fond memories too.
Alice Ahearn
January 1, 2021
Mr Colyer was such a nice man. He loved to laugh and he loved his family. I am privileged to be friends with his daughter Lisa and I can remember when he drove their motor home to and from a campsite so a bunch of us could have a fun camping weekend.
He also photographed my wedding 32 years ago!
My sincere condolences to the whole family. You can take solace in the wonderful memories you have of a great man.
Tracey Croskery (Roest)
January 1, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the family. As so many have already said, Mr. Colyer really was a great educator in the class room and in the car. I have so many found memories that I can’t think back to them without a smile on face. I feel blessed and honored to be among his long list students. Byron Center class of 1987.
Fred Bogema
December 31, 2020
I didn't know Bill real well, but when I was with him, I enjoyed his company very much. He was a very kind understanding man, with a good sense of humor. When Judith and I had gone to several weddings at their church, Bill would always be waiting for us in the lobby, so that we could sit together. He would make me feel like part of the family. He will be missed.
Fred Bogema
Bill Taylor
December 30, 2020
I'm very sorry to hear about Mr. Colyer's passing. I had him for one of my drivers training teachers in the mid 70's. Loved his sense of humor and the donut stops. He was a great addition to the fine teachers we all had at Byron Center High School. He was a positive influence in my life and I'm glad I got to experience time with him one on one during my classes. Nothing but good memories. My condolences to his family and friends.
Lucinda Homrich
December 30, 2020
Mr Colyer was he sweetest and kindest man I knew. He never called me Cindy just Homrich! He was a Drivers Ed teacher that didn't make anyone nervous. Bill would drop off the film from sports events taken at BCHS so I could take them to work for development at Werkema Studio downtown Grand Rapids. Bill found this job for me which I will never forget because I loved photography just as he did. God bless you Bill Colyer and my sympathy to your family.
Student
Cindy Homrich
Class of 67'
Laurie Piersma
December 30, 2020
Bill was so consistent with helping with the food both at the Arts Festival. He was the “go to” guy. He had it down pat!! Thanx Bill
Michael Colyer
December 30, 2020
My Dad Lisa and Brad Visited Us Here SOCAL California. Dad Watched Me Flying my RC Airplanes ❤
Michael Colyer
December 30, 2020
My Father Visiting Us Here in California
Carol galehouse
December 30, 2020
Bill came in my life when I was young, dating & marrying my sister, Judy. He soon became so much more than my "brother in law". He was a brother, the father I never had, my savior, & the 1st caring, loving man in my life. During my bad times he was always there for me. We had a life time of great times, fun, & sometimes down right comical times. Bill loved to have good times, like being with us at Ky Derby. For probably the last 40 some years Bill has called us every Derby day & we laugh & talked about what fun we had. Oh how I wish I would have recorded them, to hear you call me "sis" just one more time. I miss you so much Bill.
Tammy VanPutten (Kendall)
December 30, 2020
He was a great teacher, awesome drivers training instructor and later I found out he was good friends of my uncle Bill. He was all around a great guy!
Angela Thomas
December 30, 2020
My Uncle Bill was one of the kindest people I know! He always had a big bear hug for anyone in need, and he was always smiling! He always remembered every family member’s birthday and anniversary, and rewarded them with a phone call. I will truly miss those calls!! He was a truly gifted photographer and I will remember him every time I look at my wedding pictures. Finally, one of my favorite childhood memories was him driving a motor home full of family to Disney World. What a great time had by all. I will never forget you Uncle Bill!!!❤️
Shari Potter (Swiger)
December 30, 2020
Mr Colyer was one of my favorite teachers. He was also the instructor for drivers training.
Had so much fun in his class (also some naps 🤭)
He is a great and caring guy. Will be missed.
Thank you for being a positive influence.
Shari
Cindy Baird
December 30, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the family. May you hold near and dear.to you all the wonderful memories. Mr. Colyer was a great teacher in the classroom and in Drivers ed. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed teaching. I am with the class of 1983.
Lisa Choate
December 30, 2020
Thank you all for sharing your wonderful memories. Dad was a generous, loving person always giving his time for others and his family.
I wanted to share a few memories about the special relationship dad had with my husband, Brad. Through the years he and Brad worked side by side fixing various things that broke in our house. There may have been a few swear words during the process but they always got things working. He and Brad shared a love of sports, particularly MSU football and basketball. He attended football games with us for many years. When he wasn’t able to go to the games he’d watch on TV. Dad would always call Brad and ask what time was the game and what channel it was on. Dad and Brad talked a lot and many times Brad would share something about dad that I hadn’t known. He really opened up with Brad which was so special.
Brad was also a wonderful caretaker to dad these last few years. I can’t thank him enough for helping with anything needed - cleaning, doctor visits, moves and so much more. Dad loved him and I’m so fortunate they were best friends!
Cheryl Blain
December 30, 2020
Mr. Colyer was our yearbook advisor for class of 64. Great teacher.
While @ Auroa Pond he would join classmates for lunch @ Minnelli’s.
Lori Hall
December 30, 2020
I met Bill first as a wonderful volunteer with the American Heart Association. What a giving heart he had! He was such a kind person and so proud of his kids and grandkids. May he Rest In Peace, love to his family.
Barb Essenburg
December 30, 2020
I had him for driver's training and also as a teacher. He had great stories, he's a teacher that I will always remember. Great memories. My sympathy to the family.
Janice ( Coby ) Chrzan
December 30, 2020
He was a great teacher. I enjoyed his classes at Byron Center.
Marilyn Byers
December 30, 2020
He was a great teacher and student driver teacher I will miss him
Sharon Handy
December 29, 2020
We had a wonderful time working with Bill at the festival booth. No one was quite like him!! Just this Christmas he came up in conversation as both our daughters shared about their experiences with him in Driver's Ed. He will be missed by many!
Mem Halstead
December 29, 2020
We met Bill through Gerry Cawthra many years ago and always enjoyed spending time with them.
michele clark
December 29, 2020
Mr. Colyer was a teacher of mine at Byron Center High School. Such great memories in his class, He also taught me drivers education, a great example. Had so much patience with all of us. Rest in Peace.
Vicky Harmsen-Van Dalsen
December 29, 2020
Mr. Colyer was one of my teachers at Byron Center High School. I had him for Social Studies and I always enjoyed his class. He made it interesting and his stories kept us engaged. He could be funny and he could be serious. He taught us many life lessons. We had our 50th Class Reunion in 2018 and we invited several of our former teachers. We were honored to have Mr. Colyer present. Thank you Mr. Colyer for your dedication to our education! I will never forget you. RIP
Mary VanSingel (Baird)
December 29, 2020
Deepest sympathy to family. A life well lived, he helped many a student in Byron Center, always a smile and positive vibes. He will never be forgotten by many students, one of those being me. RIP
Barb Lewis
December 29, 2020
Bill was a wonderful teacher and photographer.
Denise Urbanczyk
December 29, 2020
I have many memories of Bill, whether it be going to MSU games and tailgating with him, going to Hilton Head with him, visiting his home and sharing holidays with him. The one constant memory that I have is the beautiful smile that he always carried on his face and in his spirit. He's the kind of Dad that I always wished that I could have had one like him. He was always so very kind and welcoming to me. My favorite saying from Facebook when he would comment on pictures of his daughters, grandchildren, Lisa's girlfriends, etc was "Go sweetie!" I never told him that I loved him and the night before he passed, I asked his daughter Anne, no matter if he understood her or not, to tell him that I loved him! Bill, you are imprinted on my soul and I will miss you! You are at peace now and please say hello to my mother and grandfather for me ❤️
John Shea
December 29, 2020
Bill was a big help to many people. He regularly helped churches host homeless people and moved the cots from place to place. He also worked as cashier and other tasks when Grace Episcopal Church served Dutch Luncheons at the Civic Center during Tulip Time.
He will certainly be missed by many groups of people!
May God hold him in the palm of God’s hand!
Michael Colyer
December 29, 2020
Dad was Always there for Us. Me My Sisters Lisa and Anne and My Mother Judith Anne Colyer. We shared Many Many Ocassions of Great Times Outings And Travel. Camping Fishing And My Hobbies. We Had two Dogs Peanut a Spaniel Mix Chocolate Brown. Muffy A Collie Mix and Samantha Joe a Bulldog Mix. We went to Many Sporting Events at his High School. He taught Me to drive Cars Trucks And Tractors. We Went to Oshkosh for the EAA Airshow Daytona Airforce Museum. We Went to Canada for Fishing with Other Family Members. He would cook for us His Children. When I Married and Moved to California Both He and My Mother would visit us and Shared many good Times. He Always went the Rxtra Mile for his Family Friends and Our Church. He Served many many People in Need. Grand Rapids would have Arts Festival We Served Roast beef Sandwiches Huge Pickles and Chips And Coke. We would Slice the Beef Roasts And Shuttle Supplies. There are Many Many Events And Things my Father did for his Family Friends and Church. One stands Out the Most He. Helped as Courier for Medical Organs And Flew around the Country Delivering Needed Organs for People in Serious Medical Care Needs.
Dad I Love You so MUCH. I Can Only Hope My Legacy Is A Fraction Of Yours
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Our Family and Friends Will Miss You But Have Great Memories On Our Hearts Minds and Souls
GOD YOU HAVE GREAT SOUL
James Conklin
December 29, 2020
You will be missed Uncle Bill. You always knew when we were getting together and would show up out of the blue. Every year you would call me on my birthday. You’re a great man my friend! Love you always.
Janet Rettig
December 29, 2020
I was blessed to have him as a General Business teacher. Also for drivers training. But getting to really know him during the time he lived at Aurora Pond,was the best!! He would come and talk every day that I worked. I missed those days when he moved. He lived a full life. My sympathy to all the family.