William Joseph LaForest

William Joseph LaForest (Bill) 70, of Kingsley, MI, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Bill was born on December 25, 1954, in Detroit, MI, to the late William and Carol (Fowler) LaForest. He was a devoted husband, dad, Poppie, and great-Poppie known for his strong work ethic, dry wit, and deep love for his family. Bill earned his Engineer Equipment Mechanic in the United States Army and Army Reserve where he proudly served from 1976 till 1982. He continued his career as a heavy equipment mechanic, where he worked at Holloway Trucking and commuted for 7 years between Novi and Kingsley. He then continued his passion for heavy equipment and worked at Elmer's Crane and Dozer. Where he suffered a severe head injury that ended his working career in 1995. Bill was also known for his witty sense of humor and his knack for telling wild stories. He could always be counted on to lighten the mood with a well-timed joke or a funny story. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, amazing smile and fatchie eyes. He will be missed by all who loved him and those who grew to love him as well. Bill was so fond of his dog Bear who was a 125 pound lap dog. He would go and get haircuts with him sitting on his lap. You could catch them together at Culvers or Wendy getting a snack. He would always stop and get gas specifically at Costco so Bear could get his treat from Jamie the Gas Attendant. Bill found his faith through the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints He was so passionate about his faith he made sure he stayed around to give his final great grand baby Kolten a blessing before he passed. A few of Bill’s favorite quotes, If I knew it was your birthday I would bake you a cake. If you call I’ll haul. He would burp and say I have to get the air off of my heart. Compliments to the Chef. He would stop by Jamie and Paul's on a daily basis to just let out his Multi Bella and Jim and raid the fridge. He would love to go out to camp and sit on the river with us and enjoy his time with the family. Bill was married to the love of his life on December 27th, 1972, he was not even old enough to marry Martha Gail Donaldson, he had to have a letter from his mother to be married. They raised 3 strong headed beautiful girls in their home in Kingsley where Bill took his final breath. Bill is survived by his daughters Francis (Thomas) Newcombe, Jamie(Paul) Vaught, and Lisa (Ryan) Darling; his grandchildren RJ Kerr, Christopher (Brooke) LaForest, Cheyenne (Jake) Crouse, Austin (Emma) Vaught, Robbie Vaught, Catherine Vaught, Dustin Kerr, Tyler Newcombe, Sara (Maximus) Matskevych, Savannah (Kirey) Marsh, and Alyssa (Jacob) Blanco, His beloved great nieces and nephews Marine Abraham Cabanas, Mikala (Dylan) Birgy, Summer (Brandon) Sineway, Dylan Lopez, Erica (Chris) Owen. His great-grandchildren Tucker, Bentley, Reighlynn, Westin, Walker, Salem, Charlie, Waylon, Kolten, Birmley, Cabella, Aniyah and Maxine. Bill is also survived by his sisters Kathy Whittaker of Arizona, Alison Wargo of Traverse City, Bonnie Green of Arizona , Debbie (Jeff) Scott of Traverse City, Shelly Ortman of Arizona and Amy Nowell of Florida. Brother-in-law Mike (Vicki) Smith of Tennessee. Sister-in-Law Theresa (David) Peal Of Georgia, Jim Donaldson Of Georgia and His beloved sister Brenda (Tom) Donaldson aka BANDAIDE of Kingsley. His favorite nieces who he referred to as DankyDoo (Dana) and TinaBina (Tina) Jarred and his beloved Jorja. His favorite nephews My Man LEE and Weepezer (Steven) many nieces and nephews greats and great greats. He also is survived by his best friend Sheila Kilbourn (Detroit) who took him on many camping adventures where they shared numerous memories and countless laughs. His good friend Dana Fine they would hang out and play hours and hours of rummy together. He was preceded in death by the love of his life of 48 years Martha Gail, His Morther in-law Mary Frances Brown, his brothers David, Frankie, and Terry. His brother-in-law William Wargo and Barry Donaldson and his Nephews Eddie Green and Timothy LaForest and Crystal LaForest. As well as his beloved four-legged friends, Rusty, Anna. And his horse Kamanchee and Red. And his Multi Bella. Bill did not want a funeral but requested a celebration of life to be held on his beloved wife’s angel day. August 2nd. Please contact his daughter Jamie for details. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Of Northern Michigan, Shriners Children’s Hospital, and the Commission on Aging, all causes which Bill was passionate. Bill also had amazing care from his amazing Nurse Miss Patty, who he adored their countless hours of conversation about their families. And as well as his Cena Miss Vicki who he also enjoyed exchanging stories of each other’s families Miss Vicki would still be at my dad’s and he would tell me I smell Soooo Good. Bill loved baking for his nurses, and he loved the laughter they would share They took very good care of him the last 21/2 years they are the reason we got the last two years with my dad and our Poppie thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking care of my old man (dad). As well as Ruth and Mike from the Commission on Aging for their unwavering support. Bills’ family takes comfort in knowing that he will be remembered for his generosity, his love for life, and his unwavering commitment to those he loved. His legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he touched. A Celebration of Bill's life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at his home, 6649 Walton Road, Kingsley, MI 49649. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home.

William Joseph LaForest

December 25, 1954 - April 1, 2025