William "Bill" Blink

Bill Blink was the kind of person who enjoyed quietly observing life. He preferred the predictable, and would happily spend hours on his own, whether it be out in the woods or working in his wood shop. Most importantly he was a loving and caring husband, father, and grandfather, and brother who loved his family above all else, as well as the type of friend who made everyone feel like they were family. Born on August 7, 1950 at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan to Lyman and Betty (DeYoung) Blink, Bill was the second child of five, and the only boy. Lyman and Betty worked hard to raise Bill along with his sisters Judy, Barbara, Nancy, and Carol. Lyman supported the family by working at the Muskegon Post Office while Betty stayed home to care for the children and run the household. The only boy in the family, Bill was known for having a general curiosity for how things worked, frequently taking things apart and trying to rebuild them. Although his parents were dedicated churchgoers and expected the same of their children, he often resisted and enjoyed some pizza or ice cream during church time on Wednesday evenings, at Unity Reformed Church. At Moon Elementary, where Bill attended school, his goofy daredevil attitude, and a general lack of interest in his grades (unless you can count his attempts to change some Ds to Bs) shone through. Although Bill must have kept his parents on their toes, they wouldnt have wanted him any other way! After graduating from Muskegon High School in 1968, Bill joined the Navy Reserve and attended Muskegon Community College. While in college, Bill would eat once a week at Scribs Pizza, which he continued to frequent throughout his life. One fateful day, in the parking lot of JC Penneys, Bill struck up a conversation with a pretty young lady named Laura Bailey. It was love at first sight for both Bill and Laura. Their relationship withstood distance, with many hand-written notes from Bill to Laura while he served time in the U.S. Navy. After Bills medical discharge in August of 1971, he found employment at Canteen Services as a field technician, hired by Lauras father. Bill proved to be a dedicated and dependable worker, staying with the company for thirty-eight years. Feeling it was time to be married, Bill proposed to Laura, and with her consent they were married at Bills childhood church, Unity Reformed, on May 19, 1972. The young couple honeymooned in the Pocono Mountains, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and the time together. When they returned from their trip, Bill and Laura bought a home at 5906 Henry Street in Muskegon, where they lived exclusively, except for a brief stay in a rental while their house was repaired following a fire. Bill continued to work at Canteen Services, while Laura found employment at the Muskegon Federal Savings Bank. Almost four years later, the happy couple became the proud parents of Sarah (1976), followed by Amanda (1979). Bill and Laura were truly blessed, raising their two girls in a loving and caring home. Bill was an exceptional father who was always there for his girls. He never missed a school, athletic, or band event, displaying tremendous support of his daughters in their many endeavors. The extended Blink family, often joined by friends as well, camped every summer. This was something Bill truly enjoyed, especially when the opportunity to pull pranks would arise. At home, Bill and his kids raised rabbits, ducks, and geese, and could be found splashing around in their pool in the warm summer months. Bill remained active at Unity Reformed Church and later Fellowship Reformed Church. After church, Sunday dinners were a special treat at Ponderosa Steak House. Continuing his passion for the outdoors and time spent with friends, Bill spent many weekends hunting. He and his good friend, Wayne Kamp, enjoyed deer hunting, and Friday nights were often spent with several of their other good friends. Known as someone who was always willing to help others, Bill rarely accepted help, chuckling and saying, No, no, I didnt want to bother you. Bill was also a meticulous and talented woodworker, who enjoyed using his skills to remodel their home on Henry Street, as well as build keepsake toys and furniture for his children and grandchildren. Thankful for the upbringing his parents had given him, Bill remained close to his parents, especially his father. He was devastated with the death of his father Lyman in 1981, as well as his mother Bettys in 1998. The love and support of his family and friends helped Bill through these difficult times. When Bill and Laura became grandparents to Alexis in 2002, and Brianna in 2007, they were just as excited and blessed as they had been with the birth of their own daughters. They were especially relieved their daughter Amanda and granddaughter Alexis survived her exceptionally traumatic and premature birth. Alexis was called Buddy by her grandpa, whom she preferred to call Grandpa Bill. Brianna affectionately called Bill Bucka, and sought him out to play with her. Bill and Laura adored their grandchildren, helping out in whatever way they were needed the most. Unfortunately Bill will never get to see his third grandchild, Jaxson William, who is due in June. Tragically, Bill was diagnosed with cancer on March 6th of this year. While he was devastated by the prospect he may not be able to see his grandchildren grow up, or grow old together with his wife, he put up a gallant fight against the cancer. In the end he was surrounded and supported by his family and friends. Bill was a true nature lover, one who enjoyed an afternoon of riding on his tractor with Alexis, hunting and camping with friends and family, and simply spending time relaxing at home. He loved his role as a prankster, he was always conscientious and a worrier; he was also meticulous, honest, and proud. Bill will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be missed by all who were blessed to know him. William J. Blink, age 58, died Monday, April 20, 2009.