William Earl McNish

William Earl McNish, age 83, of Fostoria passed from this earth on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at McLaren-Lapeer Region Hospital. William was born October 28, 1933, the son of the late Harry E. and Florence H. (Tompkins) McNish.

William grew up on the homestead farm that he dearly loved. He graduated from North Branch High School in 1953 and attended an agricultural program at Michigan State University before marrying his high school sweetheart, Caroll Swadling. Later he returned to Mott Community College to complete a skilled trades program. William worked in the automotive industry for 36 years, but his passion was farming. It wasn’t his second job; it was what gave him life. His love of farming and the land he farmed was deep and contagious. He was a quiet man who lived a life of integrity. “Doing the right thing” was his example and his expectation for all. William was always the first to lend a hand to those in need and persistently ministered to others through his selfless acts of service.

William is survived by: his daughter, Lucinda (Steven) Kajacznski of Three Rivers; sons, Gregory E. McNish of Fostoria and Vincent (Kimberlie) McNish of Fostoria; sisters, Beth (Fred) Mohr of Fostoria, Charlotte (Larry) Thompson of North Branch and Janice (Bill) Rausch of Goodrich; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Caroll (Swadling) McNish; his parents, Harry and Florence; his great-granddaughter, Ellie Grace and his younger brother, Keith McNish.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Life Outreach International.

Family will be present for visitation on Tuesday, Sept. 26th from 4 pm - 8 pm and Wednesday, Sept. 27th from 10 am – 11 am at Blackburn Chapel.  The Funeral Service will be at 11 am on Wednesday at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home will Pastor Bob Lott officiating. Bill will be laid to rest next to his wife, Caroll, in Deerfield Cemetery in Fostoria.

“Do things for people not because of who they are or what they can do in return but because of who you are.” Mother Theresa

You may share an online condolence at www.blackburnchapel.com

Arrangements entrusted to Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home