William James Root

Becky, you may (or most likely not!) remember me, Randy Johnson. The kid from Cadillac with a great sounding Reynolds horn. Nowhere in your league, that's for sure. Made it to the CMU Wind Ensemble. And went on to engineering, sales and marketing. Just wanted to say his direction the in High School Honors Band in the late 60's was so wonderful. Being in the middle of a Holst gave my shivers (frisson I believe it's called) at it's heights. What an honor. A great man.

I say with great pride that Bill Root was my dad. He was an inspiring band teacher to me and a wonderful friend and mentor. In spite of Dad's really dumb jokes, he was so fun to be with. I want to thank all the people who attended Dad's memorial service for the caring, insightful sharing at the ceremony and the fun, adventuresome spirit of the luncheon. I had a great time and I am sure Dad did too. God bless you, Dad.

As with most great men - Mr. Root wore many hats excelling in the formal capacity of his position and in the informal role of mentor, life coach and substitute parent to so many of us. I remember his small office being immediately on the left as you entered the music building at Ferris. Usually there was a line outside to see him - but occasionally in the quiet times he would be there concentrating but aware enough to always look up to see who was walking by. Many times I was stopped in my...

Mr. Root and the Vicksburg High School Band are most memorable to me. Not a particularly talented musician, I still learned to love music because of the energy and pure love Bill Root poured into it. How sad I feel at his passing.

We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Bill's passing. He was a special influence on me as a young man. He made beautiful music.

We are both from Decatur, MI and were friends with Bill during and after high school. So sorry to hear of his death.
Marilyn Blake Vander Geest and Don Vander Geest

I have known Mr. Root since 1969 when I joined his Ferris Youth Symphony Band, with the Monday night rehearsals throughout the winter. We high schoolers became addicted to the energy, talent, and expectations of this fantastic band director who also was so much fun! I also came to his summertime music camps and college-community bands, where we rehearsed in a hot bandroom (and never minding it) in the days before air conditioning.
So many memories of those days remain vivid even after...

I am a member of Holland Christian's High School band. I will always remember Mr. Root and appreciate the way he inspired and continues to inspire me to do my best and strive for excellence. I remember the "never-give-up" attitude he displayed. He will be greatly missed.

Bill Root was my father in Law. He was like a dad to me and always made me feel like I was part of the family and treated me like a son. He was truly a very special man. His memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 21 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Church, 777 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. There will also be a luncheon with live Dixieland music. His family would love to see and hear from Bill's friends and family at the memorial honoring his life.