William Clarence WIRICK

WIRICK William Clarence 1925 - 2010 William C. "Bill" Wirick, loving husband, father, teacher, coach and mentor, was received into God's loving arms on March 8, 2010, in Perrysburg, OH. He has been preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Eileen Gladys Tipton-Wirick, (2002); eldest son, William Charles Wirick, KIA Vietnam 1968 awarded the Navy Cross posthumously; and also his brothers, Donald, George and Duane Wirick. He is survived by his sister, Mary Alice Bailey; brother, Jack Wirick and his sons, Thomas, John and James Wirick; a special companion of eight years, Ann L. Stine; grandchildren, Jeffrey Fisher, Jason Wirick; great- grandchildren, J e r e m y Fisher, Jena Fisher, John Thomas Wirick. Born in October 1925 in Toledo, Ohio to Virgil and Carrie Wirick, Bill was later raised during the great depression by his aunt, Minnie Staler. During this time he learned the admirable work ethic, morals and values, which would serve him throughout the course of his life. He was baptized, confirmed and became a member of St. Paul's Episcopalian church in West Toledo where Miss Staler taught Sunday school for over 50 years. Later, the family became members of Faith Community United Church of Christ in Toledo. Bill became a graduate of Devilbiss High School where he simultaneously played football and clarinet in the school band and orchestra for four years. After graduation, he went on to receive his bachelor's degree from BGSU playing on the undefeated 1948/49 football team. He obtained his masters degree from Columbia University in New York. Later in his career, he continued post-masters studies in science and education at the University of Toledo. Enlisting in the United States Navy (1943-1946) during World War II, Bill was first sent to the Great Lakes region to learn diesel mechanics. He subsequently served in the Pacific aboard ship, as a gunner's mate, stationed as far as Hawaii as the war ended. Returning to the mainland, marrying (literally) the girl next door, Eileen, and starting his family, Mr. Wirick began to pursue his careers in teaching, coaching, officiating and railroading. Beginning at Perrysburg High School, he spent 3 years teaching Science and Biology, while coaching football, basketball and track. At Perrysburg, his basketball teams earned 2 league championships. From 1952 - 1961, Mr. Wirick became Libbey High School's newest Science and Biology teacher who just happened to coach JV football and track and field. During his reign at Libbey, coach Wirick led his disciplined track teams to 10 straight Toledo City Championships; a record that still stands. Due in no small part to this feat, in 1980 coach Wirick was inducted to the Ohio State Track Coaches Hall of Fame in Columbus, Ohio. In 1962, Wirick became the first teacher hired at the new Bowsher High School, teaching Biology and Physiology as well as becoming Bowsher's first head football coach. Mr. Wirick chose the school's colors and was instrumental in raising funds to purchase the school's athletic equipment. Throughout this 35 year time-frame, he was also employed as a switchman on the New York Central, Penn Central and Conrail railroads. During his career, coach Wirick received numerous awards including induction to the Ohio State Track Coaches, Toledo City Athletic League and Bowsher High School Halls of Fame. He officiated basketball for 28 years and track for 50 years, acting as head finish judge at the annual Ohio State High School meets. Despite all the recognition, he always believed that teaching came before coaching. Upon retirement Bill and his wife moved to California to live near their sons. After 18 years, he returned to Ohio to live out his final years. A 32nd degree Mason, he was recently recognized by the Mason's Damascus-Collingwood No. 642 F & A.M. for 50 years of service. Bill also loved to go camping with his family and travel. He traveled to all US 50 states and more than 60 countries on 4 continents. He enjoyed singing in the church choir, snow skiing out west and Ohio State Football. The family will receive friends at the Bersticker-Scott Funeral Home, 3453 Heatherdowns Blvd. at Byrne Rd. Thursday, March 11, 4 - 8 p.m. and Friday, March 12, 2 - 8 p.m. with Damascus-Collingwood Lodge No. 643 F & A.M. services being held Friday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Faith Community United Church of Christ, 1201 S. Byrne Rd. Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Ottawa Hills Cemetery, 4210 W. Central Ave., Toledo. In lieu of flowers, Bill would like to be remembered through donations to Faith Community UCC. Mr. Wirick's condolence page can be found at: Berstickerscott funeralhome.com