Obituary of William James Heath

William James Heath died on Friday, December 21, 2012 at the Cartwright Care Center. He was 70 years old. Bill was born on April 27, 1942 in Grayling, MI to the late Francis and Nadine (McNeven) Heath. He married Cheryl L. Crawford on June 11, 1966 in Saginaw. He was a loving father, grandfather and a wonderful friend to so many. Bill graduated from Grayling High School, Class of 1960. After graduating high school, Bill proudly enlisted in the United States Navy serving his four year tour throughout the Pacific Theatre, including Japan. In 1972, he graduated from Northwood University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. In 1980, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Master of Hospital Administration. His career spanned over 20 years at Saginaw General Hospital (Covenant) in many administrative positions, including President / CEO. He retired from Covenant Healthcare as the Executive Vice President / COO in 1999. Bill was a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He was also a member of Covenant Healthcare System Foundation Board, Saginaw General Hospital Healthcare Board, Saginaw General Hospital Foundation Board, Voluntary Hospitals of America - Michigan Board, Michigan Hospital Association Group Insurance Advisory Committee, Saginaw Cooperative Hospitals, Inc, Hospital Council of East Central Michigan, Visiting Nurses Health Services Association Board, Saginaw Futures Inc, Child & Family Services Board, Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw Historical Society Board, Unite Way Board, Central Michigan University Physical Therapy Advisory Board, Saginaw Medical Federal Credit Union Board and Anderson Eye Associates Board. Bill's positive attitude for life and his outgoing personality made him loved by many. It was evident in his life. He always believed that it didn't matter what you achieved in life; what mattered most was how you treated others. Surviving are his wife, Cheryl; daughters, Haley (Jay) Skeppstrom of Lake Bluff, IL and Amber Bean of Santa Monica, CA; granddaughter, Hannah Skeppstrom of Lake Bluff, IL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Edward and Sharon Crawford of Dexter, MI; nieces, Caitlin (Reggie) Handsome of Kenosha, WI and Jenna (Greg) Brand of Dexter, MI; great-nephews, Lloyd and Henry Brand of Dexter, MI; and great niece, Kylie Handsome of Kenosha, WI. FUNERAL: A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 123 N. Michigan Ave. The Rev Pamela Renna will officiate. Entombment will follow at Chapel Hill Mausoleum with graveside military honors conducted by American Legion Post #439. VISITATION: Friends may call at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd (off state) on Sunday, December 23, 2012 from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Bill will lie in state at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Cartwright Hospice Residence, Covenant VNA Hospice, Alzheimer's Association - Greater Michigan Chapter or St. John's Episcopal Church, Saginaw, MI.