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William Hirt Obituary
William F.
William F. Hirt, age 72, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away surrounded by family, March 30th, 2015, at home in Toledo's Old West End.
He was born January 7, 1943, on Chicago's South Side to William and Mary (Smallridge) Hirt.
Bill graduated from the University of Illinois in 1965 where he played French horn in the Fighting Illini Marching band as well as first chair in the University's symphony orchestra. While attending the University, Bill was heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement and in the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS). From there he went on to attend McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago to become an ordained Presbyterian minister.
His life's work was dedicated to peace and social justice. He marched with Dr. King in Selma, actively protested the Vietnam War and spent much of his career working to provide affordable housing for people in Toledo. Bill was a pioneer in both Historic Preservation and Affordable Housing. He began this work in the 1970s as the minister of Grace Presbyterian Church.
An avid cyclist, Bill was well known for riding his bicycle wherever he went. He was a passionate lover of baseball, architecture, literature, nature and especially the Sand Dunes of West Michigan.
His love of art and music inspired everyone he met and sustained him in his long battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).
Bill was a remarkable man who gave so much to others. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Surviving are his wife, Alice, and their three children, Oliver (Sonia), Rachael and Nick (Maggie). Also surviving are their six grandchildren, Deana, Sofia, Maria, Tristan, Lillian and Marian.
There will be a celebration of William's life during the Old West End Festival on June 6 at Alice and Bill's home in the Old West End.
The family asks that contributions in his honor be made to Grace Presbyterian Church at 1171 Oakwood Ave., Toledo, OH 43607
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Hirt
Joan M. Harris
March 29, 2016
I'm so sorry that I'm just reading about Rev. Hirt's death. He was on my mind and I decided to look him up. Sorry to hear of his death. He was a wonderful person and I'll never forget all that he did for me, in fact, I was blessed to have known him. R.I.P. Bill.
Neville
July 20, 2015
My Condolences to the Hirts family. I so sorry to hear about your lost of a admirable man. Alice, and Nick may God be with you all....
June 22, 2015
ALICE and family. Just saw this, about Bill's passing. Im so sorry for your loss. Bill was just such a wonderful, wonderful man :)...Thank you both, for all you did for Dave, myself, Matt.. and all the countless others, throughout Toledo, Ohio..
Sincerely.. Sandi ( Matt)
Linda L. Reese & Families
Linda Reese
June 1, 2015
Dear Families & Friends,
I just heard about the passing of your dear love one and I am extending my sympathy in love to all of you. I have enjoyed many years around you all by working at Vistula Management "Company and appreciated your kindness extended to me during those times and also since those times, many memories. May God continue to be close to you as you continue to cherish the many memories of him close to your hearts.
David Grimes
May 6, 2015
Nick, Oliver and Family. Very sorry to hear about your dad.....a real gent. Our condolences. David Grimes & Anne Browne
May 2, 2015
Sorry to hear bill pasted he is at peace now with no pain he was a wonderful person . John D. Delta OH.
Mary Jo D
April 28, 2015
Sincere sympathy to the Hirt Family.
tammy willingham
April 15, 2015
Bill will be missed and never forget as he has touched so many lives. I may have helped him in time of need but he also helped me and thought me so much. What a great man he was and so special in my life. Rip
Kara
April 15, 2015
I had the pleasure of knowing Bill in the last several years of his life, I was there to help Bill, but in the end Bill ended up helping me. The Hirt family and the strength they showed in all aspects of the family helped me see the value in family. I was welcomed in like family, and will be forever grateful for the many things Bill tought me. Never have I met a more patient and respectful man! Alice, we are connected through Bill and will be forever friends, love you!
James Parks
April 12, 2015
My sister Charlotte and I considered Rev. Hirt an extension of our family. When I went to Chicago for the 1st time, it was on a civil rights trip with a Grace Presbyterian Youth group, for the Operation Breadbasket rally. Rev. Hirt is one of my many unsung heroes; we honor your service and your life as a dedicated servant leader. Our condolences to his family and friends.
John Blaufuss
April 7, 2015
I love my city, my job, my wife, kids and many friends. I am forever grateful Bill & Alice successfully urged my mom to move from rural Illinois to Toledo in 1977 when I was 12. I can easily imagine a less happy and fulfilled life but for that.
I liked and admired Bill tremendously. His tenacious struggle to hold on to life is an inspiration, as is his whole life. Much love to Alice and my childhood friends Oliver & Rachel. Contact me w/ details on the June gathering.
Raymond Shinaul & Famiily
April 7, 2015
Your Father will be sasdly missed by all who knew and loved him. Our condolences to the family. He changed my life and I will be forever grateful. May God bless the family.
Molly Bernhardt
April 6, 2015
Nick, Maggie, and family, Know that I am thinking of you all. It sounds like you all were blessed to have such a man in your life. Hug T for me.
Joyce Wilson
April 6, 2015
Praying for the family.... I often thought about you guys.... I use to babysit Oliver and Rachel when you all lived on Prospect.... Hoping for more information on the celebration of life in June would love to be there,,,,,
April 6, 2015
I was very sad to learn that such a great man is gone. He has forever changed my family's life. To God I am grateful. May the legacy in which he began continue in all the lives he has touched. He will never be forgotten and will always be missed.
Melissa Taraschke
April 6, 2015
Heart felt condolences to the entire Hirt family. I feel like I barely knew him but he must have been a wonderful man to have such a wonderful wife and son, Nick and family. He was a warrior and inspirational to many, including myself, just knowing how long and hard he battled his affliction. I hope that we can effectively continue his legacy in Toledo's housing efforts as nobly as he did.
Philip Wilhelm
April 6, 2015
I met the Hirt family in 1980 when they moved to the Old Orchard neighborhood, 2 doors down from my family. I spent many a nights sleeping in their homes and spending time with Oliver and the Hirt Family. Bill was very kind and always willing to give. I have thought of your family often.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers
The Wilhelm Family
Lucille Davis Keyes
April 6, 2015
Alice and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Bill always encouraged me.
Maggie Hirt
April 6, 2015
My name is Maggie. I'm Bill Hirt's daughter-in-law, wife of Nick Hirt, his youngest son. Bill always treated me like part of the family. He supported and encouraged me, until I was proud of myself and my accomplishments. He worked so hard and loved his family so hard. He was the bravest and kindest man I have ever known. I will carry him in my heart always.
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