WILLIAM COE OTWELL

Passed away peacefully, Saturday, November 1, 2003, Traverse City. Born October 29, 1914 in Otwell, Arkansas, a town named after his grandfather, Will B. Otwell. His parents were Ralph Barrick Otwell and Helen Louise Coe. He grew up in Detroit and graduated from Redford High School in 1932. Bill then attended Olivet College in Olivet, and graduated with a degree in business administration in 1936. In college he played tennis, basketball and ran track in 1936 he was the MIAA League champion in the 2-mile run. After working in business for several years, Bill joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941 and served in World War II as a bomber pilot, stationed in England. There in 1943 he met and married Bertha lla Garside, a Canadian also serving in the military. In 1943 he transferred to the United States Army Air Corps. After the war, the couple moved to Plymouth and established the Otwell Heating Company. In 1968 the family moved to Traverse City, where Bill continued his business interests. He was a longtime member of the Lions Club. Mr. Otwell was truly a Renaissance man. He loved classical music and played the piano for many years. Throughout his life he maintained a loved of athletic competition. Even into his 80s, he played tennis weekly, golfed, swam, went cross-country skiing and ice skated in front of his home on Long Lake. Bill was also an avid reader and writer, publishing articles in "Michigan History" and other periodicals. He never lost his love of flying. His last airplane was a pontoon plane that he kept at his home on the lake and used on family fishing trips to Canada. Bill was an excellent photographer and maintained family albums throughout his life. Above all, Bill was a family man. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Bertha, four children Helen Louise (John) Woods, William C. "Skip" (Colette) Otwell Jr., Carol Anne (Dave) Tidwell and Bob (Laura) Otwell. Bill and Birdie have 11 grandchildren, Carole, Mark, Michael, John, Kristen, Lynn, Robert, Brian, Claire, Annie and Julia and one great grandchild Andrew. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 8, 2003 at the Traverse City Chapel of Covell Funeral Homes, with Dr. Gary Hogue officiating. Bill's family will greet relatives and friends from 11 a.m. until time of service. Cremation has taken place. Full military honors under the auspices of the Cherryland VFW Post #2780 will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Olivet College, the 4-H Club, The Frist Congregational Church or a charity of one's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home, in Traverse City.