William E. Bastien

William E. Bastien, age 78, of Northville passed away on June 14, 2022. He was born on August 31, 1943 in Minneapolis, Minnesota; son of Ovid Otto and Anne Elizabeth (Price) Bastien. Will graduated from St. Louis Park High School, class of 1961. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a Bachelor of Philosophy with a minor in Anthropology. Will was united in marriage to Linda A. Irgens on May 21, 1969; lovingly devoted to each other for over 53 years.

Will was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota; he moved to Michigan in 1984 for his career at Graco Robotics. He was an Engineer, creating robots for use in the automotive industry. Will also worked for Atlas Copco before retiring from Wabash in 2009.

Music was an important part of Will’s life. He grew up in a family of professional musicians and worked as a musician himself for a number of years. After settling into another career, he continued to enjoy listening to and talking about music, especially jazz, blues and rock. He loved fishing at his property in northern Minnesota and enjoyed tinkering on woodworking projects at home. Will’s woodworking skills were utilized while volunteering with set construction at the Tipping Point Theater. A state champion high school baseball player himself, he enjoyed coaching his daughters and others in both rec league and high school softball. He also played on and managed a co-ed softball team for many years because he loved the thrill of the sport.

He enjoyed volunteering for the Friends of the Northville District Library, organizing and selling used books and serving as a member of the Friends Board. With a real love for animals, he adored being with his favorite furry companion, his dog Maxwell. More than all these accomplishments and hobbies, William Bastien was a very patient, supportive and kind husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

He is survived by his loving wife Linda; his daughters, Lydia (Jeremy) Gold and Elizabeth (Justin) Gusick; his brother David T. Bastien; and his grandchildren, Ben Gold, Nate Gold, Jacob Gusick, and Liliana Gusick. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A time of gathering will be held on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 from 2pm until 3pm with a Celebration of Will's life beginning at 3pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Friends of the Northville District Library .