William Paul Darish

William P. Darish of Bradenton, Florida and Northville, Michigan died peacefully at home on October 3, 2015. “Bill” was born on November 25, 1915 in Calumet, Michigan and grew up in Paw Paw, Michigan. Bill and his dear wife of 70 years Betty Jane raised six children: Robert (1947-1951), William M. (Barbara), Kate Keating (Tom Miller), Patricia (David Binkley) Thomas (Mary Ellen), John (Joan). He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. Bill is also remembered by his beloved sister Betty, age 101, of Three Rivers, Michigan and her devoted children, grand-children and great-grand-children. At the age of 18, Bill moved to Detroit to work for Industrial Electric Co. With the onset of World War II, Bill enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942 and served in the South Pacific. Sergeant Darish earned a Purple Heart of Valor. As soon as the war ended Bill married his sweetheart and the love of his life, Betty Jane. They enjoyed almost 70 years of married life together. No stranger to work, eventually Bill purchased Industrial Electric Co. and continued his passion for long days of hard work, his love of life, and devotion to God and family. At the age of 70, in semi-retirement, Bill discovered the game of golf. He also enjoyed boating, fishing and water sports; at the age of 90 he was still flying over the waves on a jet-ski with an energetic grand-dog Bailey on his lap. A loving husband and father, and devout Catholic with an infectious warmth and a witty sense of humor for whom nothing was impossible, Bill was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who had the joy of knowing him. Bill was a longtime member of the George F. Monaghan Council 2690 Knights of Columbus in Livonia, and the VFW Post 4012 in Northville. He received many civic awards: National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Man of the Year 1985 and 2004 Thomas Edison Club of Detroit, President 1959 Board of Electrical Examiners, City of Detroit and Heating Board of Examiners, City of Detroit 1972 - 2000. Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), Archdiocese of Detroit: Ed Crowe Award, 1972 (Boy Scout Leader) Xavier University, Ohio. Distinguished Service Medal, 1980. Visitation Thursday October 8, 6-8 PM and Friday 2-8 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 West. Ann Arbor Road., (between Sheldon & Beck), Plymouth. Rosary Friday 7 PM. In state Saturday October 9, 9:30 AM until the 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville MI 48167.Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Victory Parish, 133 Orchard, Northville MI 48167, or the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive Triangle, VA 22172. To share a memory, please use the Share a Memory tab on this web page.

William Paul Darish

November 25, 1915 - October 3, 2015