William August Rapson

William (Bill) August Rapson will forever be remembered for his enduring spirit, and resolute faith in God. His acts of human kindness were genuine and his joy for life visible. Bill died September 19, 2009, in the sensitive care of William Beaumont Hospital Hospice. He was 83 years old. Bill was the second child born to Karston and Pauline (Reisner) Rapson, on July 26, 1926. He grew up, in Harbor Beach with his older brother, George A. Rapson and Joyce (Rapson) Hopson who bill lovingly referred to as `Sis.` Bill graduated from Harbor Beach High School in 1944 and entered the United States Army in December of that year. He was honorably discharged on October 26, 1946. He came home to join George and his father in the family business that is known today as Rapson Electric. Rapson Electric and community involvement filled Bill`s life as they provided him the opportunities to enjoy people and fulfill his Christian commitment of service. Bill was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Beach, Harbor Beach Chamber of Commerce, Harbor Beach American Legion and the VFW. He also served on the Harbor Beach Community Hospital Board of Incorporators until the time of his death. Bill embraced the joys of fishing, eating a good meal, and playing Euchre. He relished shopping at Meijer whenever he could sneak away. Bill found something to be happy about in every day. Bill`s days as a husband, father and grandfather held fond memories for him. Bill married Janette Irene Blashill on May 16, 1947. Bill and Janette had five children. William, Corrine, Robert, John and Nancy. John and Nancy brought happiness to their father`s life, throughout his years. John`s marriage to Bonnie Sinclair on August 28, 1971 added more joy and two cherished grandchildren. Arminta (Mindy) and Thomas shared many travels and great fun with Bill. Arminta`s marriage to Colin Carmichael, on July 28, 2001, delighted Bill as did the birth of his great grandchildren Hannah, Isabella, William and Emma. Thomas`s marriage to Renee Gottschalk on October 8, 2005, added gladness for Bill and another beautiful great granddaughter, Anna Marie. Bill`s marriage to Kristina Alyce Wilson on June 14, 2003 enlarged his loving family and enriched his life with new love and laughter. Their devotion to one another was evident to everyone who shared and enjoyed their lives. Kristina`s mother Kathyrn, brother James and sons Tyrone and Paul Barber offered loving relationships and new adventures. Paul`s marriage to Michelle Raines, on December 3, 1999, further enhanced Bill`s life. James` marriage to Anita Schill, July 7, 2007, brought Bill more love and caring from Anita and her family. Bill is survived by his wife Kristina, his children John (Bonnie) Rapson of Port Austin; Nancy Rapson of Harbor Beach; Paul (Michelle) Barber of Freeport; grandchildren, Arminta (Colin) Carmichael of Cambridge, Ontario; Thomas (Renee) Rapson of Port Austin; Jackson, Ireland and Ruby Barber of Freeport; great grandchildren Hannah, Isabella, William and Emma Carmichael of Cambridge, Ontario; Anna Marie Rapson of Port Austin; sister Joyce (John) Hopson of Muskegon; brother and sister-in-law James Wilson and Anita Schill of Falls Church, Virginia; many loving nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Karston (Pauline) Rapson, wife Janette Blashill Rapson, daughter Corrine L. Rapson, sons William G. Rapson, Robert W. Rapson and step-son, Tyrone H. Barber; brother and sister-in-law George A. and Shirley Rapson. According to Bill`s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bill`s life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 6:00 pm, at the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Beach. Memorials in William A. Rapson`s name, may be made to the William Beaumont Foundation, with a note for Interventional Cardiology, 3711 w. Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073, or to Eastern Huron Ambulance 108 Nelson Street, Harbor Beach, MI 48441. Arrangements are being handled by Ramsey Funeral Home, Inc. of Harbor Beach. Memories, stories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.RamseyFH.com

William August Rapson

July 26, 1926 - September 19, 2009