William “Bill” Ray Bennett, age 84 of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at the Lakeshore Assisted Living- Sierra House, surrounded by family. He was born on July 8, 1937 in Zeeland, MI to the late Carlton and Virginia (Thompson) Bennett. Bill married Julia Ferguson on February 8, 1958 in Battle Creek, MI.
Bill graduated from Zeeland High School, attended University of Michigan Engineering School, and graduating from Western Michigan University with a BBA degree. He was the owner and president of WRB Industrial Sales.
Bill was a member of the Grand Haven Presbyterian Church, and thoroughly enjoyed loving and caring for his wife and four daughters. He and Julia shared the love of equestrian life in their younger years, and in 1950, he won the State Equestrian Championship.
Bill taught his family the love and importance of caring for one another as well as embracing nature. He expressed this love by sharing his passion for flying, boating, skiing, hiking, fishing, and mostly embracing time sailing on the open water. Bill served as the 1990 Commodore of the Grand River Sailing Club and held his private pilot’s license.
The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the team at the Sierra Home, Lakeshore Assisted Living, as well as the NOCH Hospice team.
Bill is remembered and missed by his beloved wife, Julia, of 64 years; his four daughters, Deborah Bennett Sielski, Diane (Tim) Moorehead, Lynne Bosgraaf (Brad Davis), Kim (Jeff) Cooke; and 12 grandchildren: Austin (Tim), Lauren (Dave), Emily (Josh), Jake (Lauren), Justin, Michael, Connor, Casey, Mitchel, Jesse, Rylee, and Josee. He is also loved by 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Bennett; sister, Betty DeKruif; and in-laws, Nori Bennett, and Dee Dee and Dick Davis.
In honor of Bill, his family will gather privately to celebrate his life.
Memorial Contributions may be made to either Lakeshore Assisted Living or the Grand River Sailing Club.
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