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William Lanphear Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Lanphear
Marjorie Maloney Plaister
July 3, 2008
I was so sad to hear of Father Bill's death. I have fond childhood memories of our family gatherings at Uncle John and Aunt Rosemary's home in Thunder Bay. Father Bill was a very nice man, and we did have such fun; I can't hear the word "goulash" without recalling the epsiode in which he instigated stirring the goulash too often and sending Aunt Rosemary into a fit! I think of the Lanphears and Ognibenes often. Heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Warm regards, Marjorie Maloney Plaister
Kathy Koszegi
June 29, 2008
Fr. Bill officiated over my marriage and I will never forget how perfect his homily was during that ceremony! He was the most loving, compassionate and caring man I have ever met.
Kristina Nordby
June 26, 2008
I knew Fr. Bill when he was at Queen of Martyrs. The worlds loss is Heavens gain. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Holly Sorscher
June 24, 2008
Father Bill was a wonderful man and I looked forward to seeing him. He always gave a meaningful sermon when he celebrated mass at St. Mary Student Parish. More recently when my mom was ill and hospitalized at St. Joe's he annointed her and prayed with my family. We were blessed with her miraculous recovery. I will miss him and will always be thankful for his kindness.
Sue Furda
June 24, 2008
Fr. Bill was one of the gentlest souls I have ever been blessed to know. As the "new" pastoral associate at Holy Trinity/EMU he skillfully guided me through that memorable year, and encouraged me to continue my studies in ministerial studies. We saw each other several times a year and how he made me laugh!! My deepest sympathy to his family and to his Oblate Brothers - the world is a lonlier place without his gentle presence. I send a rose and a hug for the family and loved ones of this special soul.
Mary Eberle
June 24, 2008
To Bunny, Jerry and all of the Lanphear family: I was so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. He will be missed and remembered for his gentle ways and wonderful humor.I didn't see him often but he always had a kind word and a wonderful sense of fun. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love,
Mary DiPirro-Eberle
Malloy-Rangel Lucia
June 23, 2008
Father Bill was a wonderful man, He renewed my parents wedding vows when my mother was on her death bed, and he was once again ever present when my fiancees mother was in hospice. he will be sadly missed.
Edward George
June 23, 2008
To Jerry, Bunny, and all Bill's kin, my sympathy on your sad loss. I am grateful to have known Bill as a seminary student, and not at all surprised that people remember his sense of humor along with his compassion.
Ben Guiffre
June 23, 2008
Billy (Fr. Bill ) you will be so missed by all, thank you for your friendship,
help, and support. You will always be in my prayers. Please look over me and guide me. An insipration of God's
love, may you rest in peace!
Gerri Beaugrand-Bahneman
June 22, 2008
Fr. Bill - I thought of you often and am sorry to have you leave us so young. I greatly appreciate your caring and giving my husband Vern the Sacrament of the Sick just a few days before he died. Thank you
Karen Zorney
June 22, 2008
I WAS ONLY BEGINNING TO KNOW AND APPRECIATE FR. BILL AND HIS PRESENCE AS CHAPLAIN AT ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL. HE IMPRESSED ME BY HIS GENTLENESS AND AFFABLE MANNER. I LOOKED FORWARD TO HIS SERMONS WHICH OFTEN INCLUDED A POEM OR READING. I MISS HIM ALREADY! I THANK GOD FOR HIS WISDOM, WITNESS AND GRACE! KAREN ZORNEY
Donna widmayer
June 22, 2008
Fr. Bill may God rest your soul. I will miss your cheary disposition and caring heart. I feel blessed to have known you.
Helen Simon
June 22, 2008
I have known Fr. Bill from when he first came to Holy Trinity Student Parish back in the 1980s and first met him when he accompanied us at the outdoor Stations of the Cross one Good Friday. Was impressed that he was with us rather than in church. Later he was pastor and on finishing that assignment he left. He later returned as administrator. One time he cooked dinner for our peace and justice group at the rectory. He was a good cook! I left that parish and then ran into him occasionally as he helped out at St. Mary's Student Parish in Ann Arbor. He was liberal thinking in his homilies and wasn't afraid to speak out on issues and had a dry sense of humor. He always ended them with "God is with us."
And now he is with God. We will really miss him!
Wayne Mack
June 22, 2008
Fr. Bill was so full of life and an inspiration to me and my entire family(and the parrish community) when he served at St. Bernards in Buffalo. Please contact me when the place and time is set for a memorial Mass in Buffalo
Fr. Bob Irish
June 21, 2008
Fr. Bill (Billy) was a wonderful man, a good priest and a dear friend. We kept in touch over the years since when we were at Trinity (EMU) together and I will miss his outlook on life and his sense of humor.
George Ridenour
June 21, 2008
God needed a good laugh and a story teller (especially in these days) and so he asked his archangels to bring him Fr Bill. God bless his soul, those who knew him, and God save each one of us during these days when we all need a laugh.
Fr. Linus Kopczewski, OFM
June 21, 2008
Father Bill was a wonderful human being and a hard-working priest. I am proud to number him among my friends. May his soul rest in peace.
Patti Maki
June 21, 2008
The world has truly lost a treasure. Fr. Bill was my sister Martye's former brother-in-law. Kind of a distant relation, but he was near and dear to me, having assisted in all our family weddings and funerals in the time that we knew him. A bunch of non-Catholics could not have found a more wonderful, precious man of God. Fr. Bill was forever inviting us ALL over for a meal here in Ann Arbor/Ypsi (going way back to the EMU chapel) when the nieces were in town, and we had many laughs and shared stories and memories. I can't believe he has gone to God. I will miss him every day and I cherish his memory. R.I.P., Uncle Priest.
Shirley (Macomber) Sparks
June 21, 2008
Many thanks for all your visits to our Father and Mother during their extended illnesses.
Shirley Macomber Sparks
Mary Ellen Nickens
June 21, 2008
To Tommy, Jim, Paul ,Bunny and family....so saddened to read of Fr. Bill's death......but then again I can see your Mom's wonderful welcoming smile as he enters heaven....be assured of my prayers....Love, Mary Ellen (Mahoney ) Nickens....Ft. Lauderdale,Fl.
Dan & Mary DiPirro
June 21, 2008
We were so sad to learn of the passing of Father Bill "Billy". He will be sadly missed by many people. We did not see him often but when we did he was a joy to be with and always made us laugh, he had such a wonderful sense of humor. Our deepest sympathies to his entire family, I know you will all miss him. May his soul rest in peace.
Janet Holtz
June 21, 2008
Father Bill was much loved by our family. He served us well when our parents were dying. What a kind and gentle man yet with a great sense of humor. I cannot imagine going to St. Joe Hospital and not being able to see him.
You will be greatly missed, Father Bill, but I know that you are enjoying the words, "well done, good and faithful servant"
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