A. William "Bill" Souter

A. William (Bill) Souter, age 90, of Spring Lake, formerly of Grand Rapids, passed away July 12, 2016 of natural causes. Bill was born October 4, 1925, to H. Dale Souter and Lottie (Shirts) Souter in Grand Rapids where he lived the majority of his life. Bill attended Central High School in Grand Rapids. Upon graduation, he joined the Army. Bill served in the European Theater during WWII and was injured while doing bomb disposal. After he recovered, he was transferred to the Military Police. Bill, as an MP, served in what was referred to as the "Palace Guard". He was assigned to work with George Patton of the Third Army. Bill was a recipient of Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Bill graduated from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). While in college he married his high school sweetheart, Claire Collins. They were married 63 years and raised two children, Doug and Libby. After graduating from U of M, Bill worked for Michigan Express Trucking Company as the manager of data processing. Later he transitioned to working for the B.D. Wick's Insurance Agency. This job almost didn't happen because he had to take classes at Michigan State, home of the enemy Spartans. Bill was a member of the Saladin Shriners and the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He was a past president of The Stony Lake Property Owners Association. Throughout his life he loved spending time at his cottage on Stony Lake where he taught his children and grand children how to fish. Bill was an avid sailor, learning how as a child and then competing with his wife, Claire, in sailboat races on Stony Lake. Upon retirement in 1986 Bill and Claire traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad. They split their time between Florida, Grand Rapids and Stony Lake where they enjoyed golfing, sailing and spending time with friends and family. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Claire and son, Doug Souter. He is survived by his daughter Libby (Dan) Brouwer; daughter-in-law Karen Souter; grandchildren, Kaley Brouwer, Emily Brouwer, Amber (Trevar) Curtis, Christopher Souter and great-grandchildren, Christian and Callie Rae Souter. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers you may make donations to Crystal Valley Care Fund, PO Box 451, Hart, MI 49420. Please visit www.klaassenfuneralhome.com to sign Bill’s online guest book.