William Carl Yaroch M.D.

Yaroch, William Carl M.D.
Passed away, with aequanimitas, in Ann Arbor, MI on November 28, 2011. He was born on February 13,1927, in Port Austin, MI, to the late Enoch and Loretta (Mayes) Yaroch. During his formative years, he was an avid reader. His intellectual pursuits were balanced by his interest in tennis and golf; he was a caddy at the Pointe Aux Barques Golf Club. As a youngster, he always tried to be helpful. He joined the high school basketball team so they would have enough players for their games. Upon completion of high school, he entered the US Army. He attended the Army Intensive Japanese Language School at the University of Michigan, the University of Minnesota, and Yale University. He then traveled to Japan to participate in the reconstruction effort at the end of World War II. During his military service, he developed a deep and lasting respect for the Japanese, as well as a notable dislike for armed conflict. He declined an opportunity to attend Officer Candidate School. Following completion of his military service, he returned to the University of Michigan. He earned bachelor and medical degrees. Subsequently, he completed his internship at Grace Hospital, and his residency in Psychiatry at the University of Michigan. In 1956, he married Flora McEachin. His working career was long and varied. He was in private practice for many years, and worked at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry. At various times in his career, he worked at the UM Psychiatric Emergency Services, the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, and various community agencies. For approximately two years in the mid-1970's, he had a practice in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and had privileges at Memorial Medical Center. As a physician, he was both dutiful and compassionate; eager to help with the battle against mental illness. He had an enduring dedication to his family as well as his profession. His kindness, compassion, and generosity were some of his extraordinarily admirable traits. During his long and productive life, he was an avid gardener. Additionally, he appreciated art, particularly literature, music, and bonsai. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ernest (Audrey) Yaroch and his sister, Isabel (Frank) Anderson. He is survived by his dear brother, Eldon (Jackie) Yaroch; and many loved nieces and nephews. He was an endlessly devoted father to his four children who also survive him, William Jr., Joseph (Cyndy Roy), Rosemary and Ann (Dennis Smith) and a beloved grandfather of Kevin Yaroch and Theodore Smith. In the spirit of continuing education, he has donated his body to the Anatomical Donation Program at the University of Michigan Medical School. A private family memorial has taken place. Please consider a donation in his honor to one of his favorite causes: the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the UM Medical School Dean's Annual Scholarship Fund, the Shelter Association of Washtenaw County, the National Parks Conservation Association, or the American Indian College Fund. Residents of the Port Austin area may consider donating books to the Port Austin Township Library.