William-Hegarty-Obituary

Ret. Police Chief William G. Hegarty

Norton Shores, Michigan

1939 - 2020

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Norton Shores, Michigan

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Hegarty, Ret. Police, Chief William G. Hegarty Norton Shores, Michigan Ret. Police Chief William G Hegarty 1939-2020 The heavens opened to welcome a hero. At 4:12 AM, July 4, 2020, William George Hegarty, age 81, earned independence from this earthly life, after a recent fall. He was born June...

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Only a few eulogies merit a reference to a great man. William G. Hegarty, Chief of Police, ret. was a great man of his generation. Chief Hegarty impacted communities throughout the United States. In particular, William Hegarty influenced the lives of children, young adults, families and organizations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. William Hegarty profoundly shaped the culture of West Michigan. One of the highlights of my career was to hire Bill Hegarty. As he announced his retirement from...

I never met him personally, but i did admire him. I remember one time he was on the news, and was going to spend the night in jail, and i apologize for not remembering the reason behind it, but i remember thinking at the time how "cool" for him to do something like that. To me it was him not being "above the law", but equal to the next man. I am sorry for your loss, but remember keep the faith, and knowing that you will see him again someday.

Dear Terri and family,
Marianne and I are praying for you and wishing you Gods blessing on Bills passing. May you find comfort in knowing that he is at peace with Our Lord.

To his wife Terri & family: Bill served the Grand Rapids Community with distinction, honor & integrity and always made us proud. We missed him when he retired. He made a difference in so many lives here on earth.
May Gid bless him & may he rest in peace forever, knowing his work was completed here in His glory. Thank you, Chief! ❤

Terri and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
It was a pleasure to work with him, he was a great Police Chief and a good friend.
Sharon Worst

Terri and family,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I was a police officer and detective at GRPD under Bills leadership. Although a tough boss, he was also fair and protective of his employees. Something that has always stuck with me was the caring and understanding he showed me when my sister died suddenly (car accident). He sought me out to express his condolences and told me to take as much time off work as I needed to deal with my grief. He was a good man and will be missed. ❤

Terri, you and I were lab partners at GRCC in an anatomy class in the early 90's and I really enjoyed getting to know you. I just want you to know how sorry I am to hear of your loss. I did not know your husband, but it sounds like he leaves an amazing legacy. I pray that your memories of great times together will give you comfort in the days ahead.

Terri and Family,

Thinking of you during this difficult time. May your memories comfort you during the days and years to come.

Best,

Christine Yared