William Michael "Liam" Collins

William M. “Liam” Collins  William M. “Liam” Collins, age 47, of Westland, formerly of Grosse Pointe Woods, passed away on June 20, 2017. He was born October 20, 1969 in Detroit, Michigan; son of William and D. Jeanne (nee Bedore) Collins.  Liam graduated from De La Salle Collegiate in Warren, Michigan; Class of 1987.  He continued his education at Wayne State University where he earned a Bachelor Degree in both History and Anthropology.  Liam was united in marriage to Melissa “Missy” Cassel on August 3, 2009; they spent 7 loving years together as husband and wife.  Liam worked as a chef for many years.  Following a career change he was currently working as a Site Superintendent with Taplin Group out of Kalamazoo.  He was an active member with St. Michael Catholic Church in Livonia, where he was a member of Knights of Columbus and volunteered as a Cub Scout Leader.  He served as the past treasurer of the Archaeological Institute of America and was the Managing Director of the Detroit Center for Public Archaeology.  Liam was an avid reader; he liked all different genres and at any given time could be reading up to 5 books at once.  He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially gardening and hiking.  He had a great sense of humor and liked to watch comedies.  Genealogy was one of his favorite hobbies.  Liam was a wonderful father; he loved to spend quality time with his son, they were inseparable.  He was truly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.   Liam is survived by his dear wife, Melissa “Missy” Collins; his son, William Collins; his step daughter, Jacqueline Sloan; his parents, Dr. William and D. Jeanne Collins; his sister Elizabeth Collins; his in-laws, Carl and Ovalene Cassel;  his godmother Jeanne Kropf, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins  The visitation will be held Thursday, June 29, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville.  A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 30, 2017 at 10:30 a.m., instate 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael Catholic Church, 11441 Hubbard, Livonia.     In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the family to be used for their young son William (please make checks payable to Melissa Collins) c/o Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville, MI 48167.