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William Doyle Obituary
Fort Gratiot
William Mack Doyle, 66, of Fort Gratiot, died Sunday, August 6, 2017, after a long battle with kidney failure.
Bill was born August 27, 1950 in Detroit to the late John and Sally Doyle. He graduated from Grosse Pointe High School in 1968. In 1972, he graduated from Michigan State University. He has a Master's degree in Education from Wayne State University and was near completion on his PhD from Wayne State when his health prohibited him from continuing.
Bill began his teaching career in Sydney, Australia, where he achieved tenure. He then returned to the United States where he continued teaching, primarily with special needs children, at Garfield Elementary, then Chippewa Middle School, and finally at Port Huron High. Bill was a dedicated teacher and received many acknowledgements and awards throughout his career. He was known to many as "Coach Doyle", as he coached tennis and Quiz Bowl; taking the PHHS Quiz Bowl team to the state finals nearly every year.
Bill had a rare passion for life and immersed himself in many educational pursuits, including psychology, astrology and history. He had a love for adventure and traveled extensively; back-packing through Europe, road tripping out west, and visiting family each summer in Maine. He participated in various archeological digs out west and was instrumental in planning the excavation of Thomas Edison's childhood home. He also authored a book on the early settlement of Port Huron. Additionally, he authored a number of poems, as well as two humorous books, "Fossil Apostles" and "Batteries Not Included". Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and the greatest pleasure of his life was watching his daughter, Elizabeth, grow up. One of his proudest moments was when she started college at the University of Michigan last fall.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Doyle; step daughters, Sierra (Matt) Kearns and Natalie Sullivan; sister, Julie Terraciano; nephew, Jeff Terraciano; and best friend, Ed Oetting.
A visitation will be 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, 2017 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home.
As Bill was committed to education his entire life, memorial contributions may be made to Elizabeth's college fund. Checks can be made to "Fidelity 529" with "Elizabeth Doyle" written on the memo line. Gifts may be mailed in care of Pollock-Randall Funeral Home, 912 Lapeer Ave., Port Huron, MI 48060, or given in person.
To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Doyle
Sponsored by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home - Port Huron.
4 Entries
Judith Buckley-Pavitt
August 29, 2017
I have so many happy memories of you as one of my Pierce students. Also enjoyed periodic get togethers.
Fred T. Olshove
August 18, 2017
This is truly a sad day for me. I was one of Mr. Doyle's students from PH High school. I knew him from 88-90. After which Mr. Doyle was invited, and came to my graduation and my wedding. Throughout the years I would stop by the High school to see my favorite teacher. I had usually had something for him; like an old meter made rock, or a tee shirt from The Who concert I went to. Sitting there in his class as a kid was the highlight of my day. He made being in school worth it. I remember stories of him working at a pizza place and he tried to spin two doughs at once. One flying off into the air and his fist going through the other. Or the time he met Bob Segar and Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull while he was in college. Mr. Doyle told me once he had an application for the space shuttle Challenger mission. I told him I was so glad he never sent it in. He looked shocked and asked why? I said I would have never gotten the chance to meet you then. You would have gotten the spot to be the first teacher in space. He gave me a look that I'll never forget. Every now and then I would see him and his daughter at Barnes and Noble looking at books. I would talk to him till my wife would say come on we have to go. I haven't seen Mr. Doyle now in years but I sent him a few post cards. I work on the Great Lakes as a sailor on the big freighters. To this day I talk about him a lot to my friends. I tell them how this man was the greatest teacher ever. I know my life is better having the chance to say. I knew Bill Doyle, the most interesting man in the world.
Jacqueline Babcok
August 15, 2017
We met at MSU when we were all students. He was one of the most interesting people I knew and I loved his stories. I remember his writing, dancing, traveling, teaching and just talking about anything. Most of all, he loved having a daughter. He was so proud and happy.
August 15, 2017
My first fond memory of Bill is when he was tennis coach for our daughter in High School. Fondest memory is how happy he was to become a father. His love for Elizabeth was a beautiful thing. I remember him sitting at a park for hours many times. Or reading a few page book, but taking an hour, to discuss each page in depth. Patience as a Dad was one gift I observed many times. Good memories will be what helps Elizabeth cope with her loss. Love to you. Cathy
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