Bill was born and raised in Michigan. His love of basketball took him to Central Michigan University for college. In 1966, his junior year, Central Michigan went all the way to the NAIA Championships in Kansas City, Mo. At 6-foot-4, Bill was the tallest player on a team that won 17 straight games before losing to the eventual champions. Bill helped his coach, Ted Kjolhede, win NAIA Coach of the Year, and it was the best season in the history of CMU basketball.
Bill’s passion was being a teacher and coach. He coached both girls’ and boys’ basketball, from middle school to college. He also helped coach his young son’s AYS basketball team, which was an unforgettable experience for him.
Bill’s love of basketball took him to a small gym on the campus of Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. He enjoyed watching practices there, and he and Rose attended the games of the GCU women’s team. Eventually, they traveled to road games with the team. They were considered unofficial grandparents of the women’s team for many years, and a highlight for them was following GCU’s 29-3 team in 2011 that came within one victory of advancing to the NCAA Division II Championships. They supported the players and coaches unconditionally. The women knew that after the game was over, Bill and Rose would be there to give high-fives and offer encouragement, win or lose.
Bill always looked out for people who needed his help and never drew attention to himself. When he saw a need, he responded quickly and with humility and loving-kindness. On his own, and free of charge, he taught Excel classes to faculty and staff at GCU who needed to learn the spreadsheet program to do their jobs.
Bill was a big man with an even bigger heart. His friendliness and acceptance of others were his hallmarks, and those who came to know him were rewarded with enduring friendship.
The family would like to suggest that donations in lieu of flowers be made out to Hospice of the Valley at www.hov.org
Pam
Rose, I have been thinking of you each day. Hugs and prayers as you continue on your journey.
Robert Kelly
I had the profound honor of working with Bill for quite a few years at St. Mary’s High School. I am deeply saddened. My prayers go out to Rose.
Beverly
Rose, you are in my thoughts and prayers! Never forget. you have friends that love you!!
Lisa LeVardi
Always in my thoughts and prayers. Bill will be greatly missed.
Whitney & Murphy
Bill’s genuine spirit and friendship shined upon every encounter. His wit and love of others made those around him enjoy the day just a bit more, or at times want to be better people, like him. Always willing to help, share a story, inspire a smile, or talk any sport headline, it was a sincere pleasure to know Bill. I’m so thankful that my sister has been able to share this friendship of life with Bill and Rose’s Circle.
May love and peace be with your family.
Dave LeVardi & Family
Richard Weid
Bill was an amazing person as early as Junior High and High school. My wife and I attended games at Slauson and Ann Arbor High and enjoyed his skills and friendship. I am in contact with a few of his HIgh School team mates and they asked about him often. Harlod Simons and Chuck Menefee were two in recent years. It was a pleasure to know him even at a young age.
Tom O'Brien
Played baseball and basketball against Bill many years ago. Got to know him much better when we worked at Slater’s Bookstore one summer about 1963. So sorry for your loss.
Harold Simons
I had the pleasure to have played basketball with Bill in high school and against him in college. He was
a talented player. I remember his dedication to the sport , teammates and his garnered feelings toward
humility and humanity. Bill, my prays are with your family and friends
Paula
Rose,
Always enjoyed talks with Mr. Y. back in the day. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Clyde McKenzie
Bill was three years ahead of me in high school. He was an accomplished basketball player and I was an aspiring one. When the smoke cleared, that’s pretty much how it always was. He was kind to me and always encouraging. After all these years, I remember his dependable kindness more than anything else. I haven’t seen him for many years, but learning of his passing makes me very, very sad. My best to his wife and family. Rest in peace.
Judith LeVardi
My deepest sympathy to Rose and family. Bill was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed, he was always there to help.
Cissy
I just learned of Bill’s passing. I was completing an assignment for a teacher prep program that outlines the best and worst teachers I’ve ever had. Immediately, Bill topped my list for the BEST teacher. I knew Bill was at GCU, so I conducted an internet search and hoped to reconnect. I am sad to learn of Bill’s passing, but I will always remember his stories about Rose and Billy when I was in his Works class and then tutored in his classes at PVCC back in the late 90’s. Were it not for Bill’s excellent teaching skills, I could not have gone on to teach computer courses as I employed his sense of humor to put on the “dog and pony show”. Mrs. Yearnd and family, my deepest condolences. Love and Peace.
Rose Yearnd
Many thanks to all of you who left messages here and who reached out to me personally. It means a lot to know how sincerely my Bill was thought of by so many. He was the love of my life!
No one ever dies that is remembered!
Monica Jenkins
Rose – I just learned of Mr WHYs passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He taught basketball at St Patrick’s in Portland MI, taught me how to play ball and to love Bob Dylan. I was 12, and I never forgot him and the impact he had on me those few years.
Bruce Smith
Mr. WHY was my 5th and 6th grade teacher when he taught at Portland St. Patrick’s in Portland , Michigan in the mid 1970s. He had a clever way of introducing concepts when he taught English and Social Studies. He challenged us to think beyond the textbook.
For whatever reason, he brought his Bob Dylan album, The Times They are a-Changin, wrote out the lyrics of a few songs and played those songs to us over and over one day. He went outside of the box to introduce us to history without the use of a textbook. A demanding teacher who allowed us to struggle through a concept instead of tossing us the answers.
My condolences to his wife and family.
John Holmes
Bill was a real gentleman His sincere care of others and sly grin will be missed. He’s driving that train up in the sky.
Your Rose
Love Never Dies…I miss you everyday!