William “Bill” P. Mathews

Bill Mathews of Harrison, age 58, passed away on October 30, 2025. Bill was born on April 27, 1967, in Mount Clemons, Michigan. His parents were Lynn and Marian Mathews, and he grew up in Plymouth, Michigan. Bill’s father worked for two major airlines, so as a child he had the wonderful privilege of traveling to Europe with his parents where they enjoyed sightseeing and skiing.

Bill graduated from Plymouth Salem High School where he was a champion swimmer. He attended Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City and got his bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University. Bill also earned four master’s degrees in social science disciplines from CMU.

From 2003 until 2017, Bill was a professor at Mid Michigan College where he taught social science classes. More than anything, teaching brought joy and meaning to Bill’s life! He cherished the experience of seeing his students learn and succeed.

Bill was a man of many talents: an avid fisherman and a gourmet chef who was also skilled at sailing, skiing, and climbing. He was instrumental in starting many community gardens in the mid-Michigan area, from planning the gardens to actually building the raised beds. Over the years, Bill rescued and cared for many beloved dogs and cats.

Both as a child and as an adult, Bill’s favorite place in the world was Lime Lake in Leelanau County. He learned to fish there as a child at his family’s cottage and always cherished the hours he could spend on that beautiful, pristine lake!

Bill is survived by his cousins: Suzie Bacher, Sally Bugai, Robin Calage, Laurie Goodrich, Nancy Palmer, Dorene Palmieri, Bob Schrock, Lee Schrock, Dale Summers, and Glen Summers, and his close friend, Diana Holloway.

No memorial service is planned at this time.