William Inkster

Bill left this earth for his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. He was born on October 11, 1933 in Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada to Alexander Gordon Inkster and Florence Isabel (Smith) Inkster. He immigrated to the USA at age 17 and graduated from Everett, Washington High School. He became a proud citizen of the United States in 1957. Some might say that "Hockey" was Bill's middle name. He played twice a week until he was 60 years old. He also coached KOHA Pee Wees, Midgets and the Travel Team. He was instrumental in the start-up of the Municipal ice rink on Lake Street. Being a welder, he made the first set of goals for the ice rink and they were later used as practice goals for WMU. As a pipe-fitter he helped install the refrigeration under the ice at Lawson Arena and then spent many hours playing hockey on that very ice surface. Bill belonged to U.A. Local 357, Plumbers and Pipe Fitters of Kalamazoo, MI and recently received a 50-year membership award. In 1986, Bill was married to Doris (Dykstra) DeBree Inkster and together they enjoyed over 25 years of retirement, traveling in their motorhome(s) in every State and across Canada and Mexico, finally wintering in Tarpon Springs, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 siblings, Gordon and Don Inkster and Betty Schultz, as well as a daughter, Marla Faye Inkster and a son-in-law, Dana Miller. He is survived by Doris, his loving wife of 32 years and daughters Susan (Joe) Neidlinger of Three Rivers and Julie Miller of San Francisco and their mother, Marilyn (Ralph) Siegel of Homosassa, FL. He is also survived by three step-children, Patty (Rex) Gruizinga, Marcy (David) Brower and Jeff (Tina) DeBree. Bill leaves 11 grandchildren, one of whom is Marla's son, Alex Inkster of Chicago, IL, numerous great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter, a sister-in-law Donna Inkster, of Revelstoke, British Columbia and numerous nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Canada. Bill was a member of the Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church, 9316 Oakland Drive, where a memorial service will be held 11:00 Monday, September 17th with luncheon to follow. Visitation will be from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm on Sunday, September 16th at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Ave. Interment will be at the Mount Ever Rest Memorial Park South prior to the memorial service. Charitable contributions in Bill's name may be made to Prairie Edge Christian Reformed Church. Please visit Bill's webpage for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence. www.langelands.com