William "Bill" Wilson

Bill Wilson passed away unexpectedly at his home in Kalamazoo on Friday, September 25, 2020, of natural causes. Bill was born in Pontiac, Michigan on October 22, 1953, to the late John Leonard Wilson and Margaret Marie (Reed) Wilson (also deceased). A graduate of Portage Northern High School and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Bill was incredibly intelligent and an avid reader. His knowledge of music and politics was encyclopedic. Bill's passion was music – in particular – the Blues. He played bass guitar in several local bands throughout his life, most notably Loaded Dice and Big Trouble, and was a long-time member of the Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association. Whenever possible, he enjoyed attending live music performances in and around the Kalamazoo area and getting together with other musicians. Bill was a loyal friend and family member and would do anything he could to help them. He was also an animal lover and special "uncle" to retrievers Koba and Brownie, who will miss him terribly. Though usually laid-back, Bill had no patience for idiocy, liars, those with a poor work ethic or inanimate objects that refused to function properly. He had opinions on many issues and was not afraid to share them. He is survived by his sister, M. E. "Peggy" Boucher, of Portage. Also surviving are his cousins, Jim (Emilie) VanBochove of Dearborn, Michigan, Carolyn (Kurt) Melcher, of Bowdin, Maine, and Chuck (Kathleen) Connell of Jensen Beach, Florida. Due to COVID, there will be no service held at this time. The family anticipates a post-COVID gathering to celebrate his life and will announce the time and location at a later date. Please post condolences at www.joldersma-klein.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Kalamazoo Humane Society, the KVBA or Habitat for Humanity, c/o the funeral home.