William (Bill) Peter Start

William (Bill) Peter Start was born August 30, 1935, in Muskegon Michigan to a family which included parents George and Maude Start and four siblings.  

After a stint in the military where he learned patience, perseverance, and the desire to do all things to the best of his ability “Peter Perfect”. Bill returned to Muskegon and met the love of his life, Barbara, a young nurse graduating from Hackley School of Nursing.  They were married in 1960. Barbara's support and nursing income allowed Bill to go to school and become the first person from his family to graduate college. He earned a degree in civil engineering from Michigan Tech University in 1963. 

Bill's first job upon graduation took him to Astoria, Oregon where he was involved in engineering and constructing the bridge across the Columbia River connecting the states of Washington and Oregon. This magnificent engineering feat still stands and impresses the thousands of people that cross it each day. Their first son Craig was born while in Astoria. 

It wasn't long until another job opportunity and family roots brought Bill and Barb back home to Michigan. Their second son, Chris, was born shortly thereafter. Bill was employed by Consumers Energy where he worked for 32 years in management.  After retirement in 1997, Bill dove into a new life of philanthropy, ramping up his activities with his friends from Fenton Rotary to do wonderful things for the community. A favorite activity was helping his Fenton Rotary friends design and create special floats for the annual Christmas parade.  

Bill also expanded his artistic skills. He learned stained glass cutting where he made beautiful lamps and windows. He also enjoyed wood carving and created painted ducks and loons in intricate detail. He was a wonderful fishing fly tier and tied many of the flies he, his sons, and the grandkids used to catch fish.  

Bill loved his five grandkids and was active in attending and taking them all to their various activities. He loved nothing better than to spend time with them and share his knowledge.  

An active fisherman for his whole life, Bill was able to travel the US and the world stalking and catching many trophy fish throughout the years. He traveled yearly to Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming as part of the Big Sky Fishing Club. This love of fishing and the outdoors has been passed down to the kids and grandkids. 

During his later years, Bill rekindled a lost love for music and joined the Halsey Old Timers music group. He loved attending their "Jam " sessions and was able to hone and share his wonderful singing voice at these weekly events. Bill will be missed by his loving family. Wife Barbara, sons Craig (Amy) Start and Christopher (Larilynn) Start, grandchildren Nicholas, Riley, Jeremy, Charlie, and Lauren Start, sisters Carole Tice and Joyce Green, brother-in-law Kenneth Simms, several nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends. 

Bill was predeceased in death by his parents George and Maude Start, brother Russell Start, sister Marie Kunish, and grandson Nicholas Start. 

Funeral services will be held at Fenton United Methodist Church located at 119 South Leroy St. Fenton MI 48430 on Monday, February 12, 2024. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the service starting at noon.  

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Bill had a generous heart and believed in serving others, so in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Fenton Rotary.