William G. Oostdyk

Carol,

I knew Bill from both Fairlawn Center and CVC. He was a good friend and taught me a lot. He was often in my thoughts and I wish I could had an opportunity to see him. He was one of the few really "good" men. My prayers are with you and your family.

Carol & Family,

It was a great pleasure for me to have known and taken care of Bill over these many years. I will truly miss him.

Dear Carol,

We received word last night from my parents who saw the news in the newspaper. We were in shock. Our hearts go out to you and the family during this time. We are so grateful that we were able to meet him and be with the both of you two times last year while we were in the States. May you find strength and comfort in HIM during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Our paths crossed only briefly but my life was richer because of it. I admired Bill for his compassion, intelligence, and humility. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Now is in store for him the crown of righteousness which the Lord will award him.

Carol, Christyn, Joel, David,
I know you each know how great a husband/dad Bill has been. He often talked of his love for each of you...not to mention his current and upcoming grandchildren. I wish you to know how wonderful, kind, generous, thoughtful, and great he was as my friend of years past. He and I shared many a laugh as well as a few tears. Did you know that he is the person who first gave me a pc at work and had me learn it?
I always thought of Bill as one of the few people I know who lives what he believes.He is a person I shall never forget and will always keep in my heart. I will miss him deeply. Carol, the times I spent with you and Bill were always good times and I grieve for you. For all of you, may the time come soon when shared memories bring the smiles and joy of those times and not only tears of his passing. All the world may not know it, but it is less with the loss of Bill...and that means we each have to work harder to be the best we can be because that is exactly what Bill always did...and would want each of us to do.
Love, Gail

Dear Carol,

Word circulated around Hawthorn Center today among Bill's many friends, and I found it impossible to concentrate on work afterword. I kept remembering that chapter, nearly two decades, of Bill's life during which we worked together at Arnell Engstrom Children's Center in Traverse City. Ironically, I went out to St. Joseph's Hospital this past Sunday, May 17, to visit Bill -- but found that he had been discharged six days before. Little did I know that he passed or would pass that day. I have many fond memories of Bill, you, and your children during my 18 years at Engstrom, at that time Barb and I were on a parallel course with Bill and you, as we each faced the challenges of a new family. Bill was highly respected and much liked by colleagues and patients alike. Outside of work, also, I remember the companionship when Bill and I went fishing, hunting, and enjoyed many unique experiences Up North. They will live in my memory forever. I hope to talk to you at the funeral tomorrow.

Carol, you, and Bill fought a vallient fight over a mountain of adversities. Your love for each other was so strong, and never failing. I hope, and pray that you, and your family will have the strength, and grace to carry you through the days ahead. Thank you for letting me be a small part of your life, even for a short time. It was an honor to take care of Bill at Doctors' Hospital.

Carol,

Bill will be dearly missed. He was such an inspiration in his love of Jesus and his desire to see others know him. I will miss his passionate prayers and his longing to see others come to Christ. He is with the Lord in Glory!

You, Kristen, Joel, David, and the rest of the family are in my prayers for comfort and understanding.

Carol, I am so sorry to hear about Bill. All the employees at Northvill thought highly of him. One of the best boss/leaders that I had in my career. He will be missed. I wish that I could give you a big hug.
Rose Holland, Acworth, GA

Carol, Christyn, Joel, David, & families:

You are all in my thoughts & prayers. I have many fond childhood memories from time spent with Bill & your family.

Carol sorry to hear the news about Bill, I know what you been and are going through. It is not easy, but you are strong and you now have to think of your grandchildren and kids, they will help you get through this. I was married just 35 years too. Life goes on, but at first not easy. Hope to see you this summer.