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BORN
1933
DIED
2018
William Aikens Obituary
Birmingham - 1933 - 2018 William Robb Aikens, 84, died on January 20th. Bill was a Birmingham, MI native. He attended Baldwin High School and graduated from Princeton in the class of '55. After a stint in the US Marines and marriage to Alice Shaw, he graduated from Harvard Law School in 1960. Bill practiced law in NYC with Dewey Ballantine, but soon returned to Birmingham to join his brother Bob's law firm. Bill's adventurous spirit fueled his love for flying. He was especially fond of his numerous float planes, one of which he flew to Alaska to sell. One summer with a crew of 8 he sailed a 58' sailboat across the Atlantic. He enjoyed scuba diving, skiing, wine making, and duck hunting. He loved collecting classic cars and boats. Bill served on the board of the Cranbrook Art Academy for 15 years and was a supporter of Cornerstone Schools in Detroit. He was a founder of the Bank of Birmingham and its first chairman. Bill was also involved in real estate and manufacturing. He was CEO of Whyco Finishing Technologies. He leaves his wife Alice, daughters Susan Post (Nick), Sarah Post (Tom), and son Andrew Robb Aikens (Gina) and 8 grandchildren. A memorial service is planned for 11:00 am at Christ Church Cranbrook on Saturday, May 19th. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Cranbrook Academy of Art, c/o Cranbrook Academy of Art Development Office, PO Box 801, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48303, Attn: Bill Aikens Fund.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Aikens
Nader Mishreky
November 11, 2018
Please accept my heartfelt condolences, Bill was one of the kindest people that words can't describe, his kindness and caring for other people. I'm really sorry for your loss.
Eric Wiltshire
April 5, 2018
Alise, Marcia and I were so fond of Bill,from the days of Labre Croche to my days of working with his Law Firm, to Florida and Romeos. My sympathies Eric
January 31, 2018
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one May God give you the strength and comfort during this difficult time Ps 46: 1
L'arbre Croche - a happy place shared with friends like Ruthie Petzold
January 24, 2018
At the wedding of granddaughter Katie Post and Drew Wagner, September 2017
January 24, 2018
Never happy unless he had a project going
January 24, 2018
with Julianna, Robb's eldest
January 24, 2018
Best day of the year
January 24, 2018
January 24, 2018
Ready for Princeton reunion
January 24, 2018
Becca Tufts-Bhowmick
January 23, 2018
Love to the Aikens family. Bill was such a kind and caring man and will be missed by all that knew him. I remember as an Art Academy student how supportive Bill and Alice were. My heart goes out to the family.
JMc
January 23, 2018
May the God of all comfort and mercy give the family hope and peace. Jeremiah 29:11.
January 22, 2018
My condolences to the family . May cherished memories comfort you and may God give you peace . Romans 15 : 13 .
January 22, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
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