William Fisher Redding Ph. D

06/28/1928

01/16/2017

FACTS

Born: June 28, 1928
Death: January 16, 2017

William Fisher (Francis) Redding, Ph. D, age 88 of Cascade Township, passed away Monday, January 16, 2017 under the care of Spectrum Hospice. He was born on June 28, 1928 in Providence, Rhode Island to William and Marguerite Redding. He graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School while his father was superintendent. He received his B.S. in botany from the Univ. of Rhode Island in Kingston. One month later, he joined the U.S. Army and became a meat inspector at the Chicago Stockyards. He always enjoyed telling the story of a botanist becoming a meat inspector in the US Army. Everyone went to Korea but Bill went to the Chicago Stockyards. Later he received a M.S. in biology from DePaul Univ. and a Ph. D in botany from the Univ. of Chicago. At graduation, he was accepted into the Society of Sigma XI. He taught botany and genetics at Loyola Univ. (Chicago), Southern Oregon College and for many years at Grand Valley State Univ. After retirement, in 2009 he was very proud to become a master gardener from the MSU Extension. He enjoyed working in his garden growing roses while belonging to the Grand Valley Rose Society. His interest in gardening and chess playing were featured in the GR Press. Bill was often was seen playing chess at the Yum Yum and later at Common Ground Cafe’s. After being a boy scout for most of his early years, he became an avid believer and activist in the boy scout movement.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother John Redding. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Corinne (Kriz); children Alison (James) Venchuk; son Chris Redding; granddaughter Alexandra Venchuk; brother Robert Redding; sister Ruth Harrold; and his favorite dogs Caesar, Huggy, and April. The Redding family wish to especially thank, Dr. Thomas Bilisko and the wonderful hospice nurses, staff and Dick Johnson, nurse case manager at Spectrum Hospice. They made a severe illness of Alzheimer’s possible to endure. He had a deep faith in God while a member of St. Robert of Newminster Parish. Graveside services have taken place at Snow Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Kent County, 3077 Wilson NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 or The Alzheimer’s Association, 25200 Telegraph Rd., Southfield, MI 48033.

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