Dr. William Joseph Vernier
Dr. William Joseph Vernier
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William Vernier Obituary
July 24, 1931 - August 2, 2025
Dr. William Joseph Vernier passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, at the age of 94, with his devoted wife of 68 years, Gladys Vernier, by his side.
Bill lived a remarkable life filled with adventure, curiosity, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. Following a distinguished career in radiology serving the Downriver community, he retired to Aspen, Colorado, where he embraced another one of his passions--skiing. Bill became a certified ski instructor and taught at Aspen Highlands for ten seasons. Even after retiring from teaching, he continued skiing nearly every day, enjoying the beauty of the mountains year-round. Summers were equally embraced. Days were spent hiking, biking, documenting wildflowers, enjoying the outdoors, and sharing memories with family.
A lifelong learner and teacher, Bill approached every endeavor with a desire to master it. He traveled the world, spoke multiple languages, cultivated extensive vegetable gardens, pursued numerous sports, including squash, golf, and triathlons. He also became well known for baking exceptional breads. An avid cyclist, he logged thousands of miles and built lasting friendships through the Downriver Cycling Club. Bill's sharp wit and infectious humor were matched only by his vast knowledge, which he loved sharing with everyone around him. Above all, his greatest joy and pride was his family.
Bill is survived by his three children: Mary Lynn (Kevin) Tobel, Anne Vernier, and Susan (Scott) Garcia; 11 grandchildren: Jenna (Matt) LaMaster, Whitney Tobel (Randy Placers), Kiley (Steven) Bastien, Joey and Andy Vernier, Nate Mayer, Scotty and Bella Holman, Dawson Hodgson, Ryan and Grace Garcia; and six great-grandchildren: Chloe and Kyla LaMaster, Gabriel and Sophia Placers, and William and Jack Bastien. He was preceded in death by his children Joe Vernier and Beth Ann Vernier.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Molnar Funeral Homes-Nixon location, 2544 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a service at 12:00 p.m.
Donations may be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit, or World Wildlife Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
George Strimpel
August 11, 2025
George Strimpel
August 11, 2025
I will greatly miss our visits together... Rest In Peace my friend.
A relationship that started with a phone call to work on your landscaping that turned into a wonderful friendship. Bill would call me to do anything, and I mean anything he needed done. My first job started with re-leveling all the brick pavers, to replacing shrubs, to mulching the beds, to painting the house, shed, and fence, to building a new back deck, to sealing a leak on the roof, to cleaning out the greenhouse attached to his shed... the list went on and on.
At the end of each job, we were always certain to take the time to have a beer and enjoy what usually turned into at least an hour or two of great conversation. Bill would share his incredible life story but was always eager to learn what was happening in mine. Bill loved to research everything and anything, he had a strong passion to learn. In the photo of the new deck... he just had to know what the stamped letters on the deck meant and was happy to share this new knowledge with me when he found out.
Even after I discontinued my landscaping services, Bill would bless me with a phone call to let me know it was time for a visit, or I would randomly call him to let him know I was in the area and would like to stop by and say hi.
I fondly recall one of our last visits, where of course he was quick to offer me a beer... this time he decided to have a beer with me (he normally did not). As we were visiting on his patio, Gladys arrived home and could not believe he was having a beer. After the three of us visited for a while, Bill said he was beginning to feel woozy... the beer was kicking in. As we decided to go in the house, I grabbed our cans and stuff to bring in the house and had to laugh when I learned that he barely took a sip of his beer.
Bill was one of kind... he was very generous, caring, smart, witty, and loving. He always wanted to make certain that Gladys would be ok after his time here ended. It's very safe to say, that I liked him from day one.
Eternal Rest grant unto Bill O' Lord, Let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, Rest In Peace.
Bill - I'll see you on the flip side, and will miss you till that day comes...
Br. Brenton Ertel OFM, Capuchin
August 11, 2025
On behalf of the Capuchin friars, I offer condolences to the family and friends of William Vernier. I pray that William may rest in peace, and that God's merciful love may comfort all those who mourn. The friars are truly humbled by memorial donations made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in William's memory. The Lord give you peace.
Carol Ryder
August 5, 2025
I just came across this news by coincidence. I still have fond memories of my college days spending time with the Vernier family. I always felt included and loved. I know Dr. Vernier had a remarkable life filled with humor, family and community. I enjoyed seeing him and Mrs.Vernier in all the family pics on Facebook. The pictures always bring a smile to my face. My condolences to the family, but it truly is a celebration of a life well lived. Rest in Peace Dr. Vernier.
Sending love and light,
Carol Ryder
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