Brian J. Whiston

Brian J. Whiston obituary, Okemos, MI

Brian J. Whiston

Brian Whiston Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 8 to May 13, 2018.
Whiston, Brian J. of Okemos; May 7, 2018; age 56; Loving husband of Elizabeth Petrusha Whiston; Beloved father of Scott (Amanda) Whiston, Ashley (Jeffrey) Koch, Kristen Whiston, the late Kathryn and the late Ryan; Dear son of the late Robert and late Joan Whiston; Dear son in law of Robert Petrusha and the late Madonna; Beloved brother of Rick Whiston, Daniel Whiston, Marie Maguire, Bob (Gina) Whiston and the late David Whiston; Cherished grandfather of Alijah, Lillyan, Addyson, James and Rylee. Mr. Whiston was the State Superintendent and was a member of St. Perpetua Catholic Church. He was a member of the Michigan Association of School Administrators and was a member of the Rotary and Optimist Clubs and the Knights of Columbus, as well as many other organizations. He also was a member of Governor Snyders Cabinet. The Funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 11, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Perpetua Catholic Church, 134 Airport Road, Waterford. Celebrant Father Jack Baker. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Riverside Chapel, Simpson-Modetz Funeral Home, 5630 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford, and at the church on Friday 12 p.m. until time of Mass. Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, the Waterford Foundation for Public Education or to the Dearborn Foundation. Online guest book www.modetzfuneralhomes.com

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May 17, 2018

Kyle Stout posted to the memorial.

May 15, 2018

Robert and Brenda O'Brien posted to the memorial.

May 14, 2018

James Heltsley posted to the memorial.

Kyle Stout

May 17, 2018

Brian was always a pleasure to be around. His joy, energy, and humor radiated to those lucky enough to have known him. He was so genuine and his love of family and friends continuously evident. Many condolences to Beth and the entire family.

Robert and Brenda O'Brien

May 15, 2018

Brenda and I share our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers with the Whiston family.
Brian and I shared a friendship I will always cherish. He was a remarkably good man, thourough professional and wonderful Irish buddy.
I will miss knowing he was still in the fight for kids.

James Heltsley

May 14, 2018

I remember Brian from junior high. He encouraged me to try out for the wrestling team, even though we wound up in the same weight class. We trained together and he made me better. That was always the kind of person he was. Sorry to hear of his passing but I was glad to see he had such a successful life with so many friends and family. My condolences to all.

Leslie (Miller) Cirinesi

May 14, 2018

To Beth and the Whiston/Petrusha family: There couldn't have been a better send off for Brian. The church was filled. He lived a full life even though it was cut short at age 56.
Brian was a testament to us all.

Kathy Hayes

May 11, 2018

Brian will be sorely missed by his family and friends and all the hundreds of lives he touched. He dedicated so much of his life trying to make children's lives better. We owe him much. Rest in peace dear man. We'll miss you.

Tom Lewis

May 11, 2018

In Highschool Brian was always into everything. I always admired his drive and determination, he was a kind and talented man, the world would be better off if we had more Brian's. Beth and her family are in my prayers.

Jim Kessler

May 10, 2018

Knew Brian from Grade School on. Always a nice, friendly and caring person. He achieved much and was well respected by all who knew him. Despite not seeing him through the years except at reunions, he always had a warm greeting and a big smile. Our class, community and state lost a true gentleman and a great guy. Condolences to Beth and her family. God Bless and RIP Brian.

Julie Walker

May 10, 2018

Our Optimist International family was so very sad to hear of Brian's passing. We spent many club luncheons together. I will miss the inspirational person I became friends with. He was such a treasure for the schools in Dearborn and then for the entire state. Julie Walker, Fairlane Ford

Lee North

May 9, 2018

I've known Brian since we were 5 years old, and he's been the same honest, hard working, self deprecating, best friend anyone could ever ask for. I'm glad and honored to be his friend, and while I'll miss him, the memories we made together will always bring me great joy.

Eternal Blessings Bouquet

William Keane

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a loved one

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Sympathy Floor Basket - Blue & White

a loved one

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May 9, 2018

Mourning the loss, and extending our deepest sympathy to the close-knit Whiston family after losing Brian today. We chose Brian as our State Superintendent of Schools several years ago because of his deep commitment to public education; tireless and selfhouse 'workhorse not showhorse' approach to getting things done for Michigan's children; ability to reach across aisles and bring people together; and most importantly his fundamental humanity and decency. Michigan, Michigan's schools, and all of us have lost a friend, champion, and ally.

Sympathy Floor Basket - Pastel Pink & White

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Jan Van Dam

May 8, 2018

My deepest sympathy to Brians family. When I worked with Brian, I knew him to be an honest and honorable man. I wish you all peace.

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Simpson-Modetz Riverside Chapel

5630 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48327

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Sign Brian Whiston's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 17, 2018

Kyle Stout posted to the memorial.

May 15, 2018

Robert and Brenda O'Brien posted to the memorial.

May 14, 2018

James Heltsley posted to the memorial.