William Charles Forge

William C. "Bill" Forge passed away on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the age of 81, after a brief illness.  Mr. Forge is survived by his wife Janis (Magill) and four children, William C. (Janet) Forge II, Jeannine M. (Ted) Batterson, Bethany A. (Richard) Sprunk, and Kimberley A. (Eric) Hurst, thirteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert Forge.

Bill was born in Bay City, Michigan. He was raised in Bay Port, and graduated from Bay Port High School early in order to join the United States Navy at the age of 17.  He served as a Boiler Technician and left the Navy as a Petty Officer Second Class.  He returned to Michigan and married his sweetheart Jan Magill, because she was the only one who would have him.  Bill graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife in 1963.  He began his career with General Motors in Saginaw.  He also worked many years in Hamtramck before finally retiring from GM in Saginaw.

Bill was a friend to everyone he met, and after he retired he enjoyed making the rounds in Bay Port to visit with friends.  In addition to the blessings of family and friends, he enjoyed fishing and hunting in and around Bay Port and Wildfowl Bay, and was an avid golfer.  A true sailor at heart, he was out on the water at every opportunity, and on occasion even worked with the crews from the Bay Port Fish Company.  He served two terms as the Fairhaven Township Supervisor, and took great pride in serving his community.

A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at the Bay Port United Methodist Church.  Officiating will be The Rev Matthew Chapman.  There is no need to get dressed up for the service; to celebrate Bill's life please join his family by wearing your Spartan, Navy (or other military branch), and Bay Port gear.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the Bay Port United Methodist Church.