William Arthur Redmond

Bill passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him at North Woods Village of Kalamazoo, on July 31, 2023.  Bill was a lifelong resident of Kalamazoo, raised by his parents Art and Barbara (Simonds) Redmond who instilled a strong Catholic faith, love of family, and sense of duty to serve others.  Even at an early age, Bill had a strong work ethic selling newspapers.   Working at the Redmond Funeral home, he learned important life lessons in serving families in need while continuing the proud family tradition of serving the community.  Bill attended St. Augustine Elementary, Hackett Catholic High School, Western Michigan University, and Wayne State University where he earned his Juris Doctor degree.  Bill met the love of his life, Kathy Barkey, in 1976 and was so smitten with her, that he kept a log of every date.   They married in 1978 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and were married for almost 45 years.   Family was at the center of Bill’s life as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.  Together, Bill and Kathy raised three children – Katie, Kerry, and Dan – of whom he was so very proud.  Whether it was coaching their teams, attending various activities, or enjoying the outdoors with them, Bill truly enjoyed and placed priority on time with family.  Bill beamed with joy at any opportunity of spending time with his grandchildren Talia and Aiden, for whom he was lovingly known as “Bada”.  He also enjoyed spending time with his step-grandchildren Brady, Landon, and Taylor.  Bill was a practicing attorney for 41 years first at Devries and Lamb and then Lewis Reed and Allen where he was a partner in the firm.  He loved the law and built long-term relationships with judges, lawyers, clerks and secretaries.   Bill had a strong sense of fairness and justice, and acted with a high level of ethics and professionalism.  Spending time with Bill was truly a pleasure given his sincere personality, wonderful sense of humor, and his ability to weave a story on most any topic. Bill had a passion for sports and was an epic fan of Notre Dame football, for which attending or watching a game with him was truly an emotional and vibrant experience.  He was a longtime member of the Syzygy softball team and competed in fast-walking marathons.   He loved spending time outdoors whether it was fishing, skiing, kayaking, or walking the beach at his beloved Siesta Key.  Bill had a commitment to serve the community whether it was in providing pro bono legal support, serving on the Goodwill Industries Board as President, or financially supporting charitable organizations.  Bill’s Catholic faith provided the spiritual foundation for his entire life, and was reflected in his love of family and the manner in which he lived his daily life with concern for others and a sense of humility and duty.  He was a long-time and active parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.  He was preceded in death by his father: Arthur W. Redmond Jr. on Feb 1, 2008.  Bill is survived by his wife Kathy whom he married Sept. 9, 1978, children: Katie (Monte) McCollum, Kerry (Steve) Putnam, and Dan Redmond, grandchildren: Talia, Aiden, Taylor, Brady and Landon, his mother: Barbara (Simonds) Redmond, sisters: Kathy (Joseph) Hayes and Martha Redmond, several nieces & nephews, aunts, uncles & cousins.  Most importantly, the Redmond family wishes to thank North Woods Village of Kalamazoo for their loving care of Bill, and support of his family.  Friends will be received at Redmond Funeral Home, Kalamazoo from 6-8 pm Sunday August 6, 2023, with a scripture service and eulogy at 7:00 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday August 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1150 West Centre Avenue, Portage, followed by a luncheon in Marian Hall. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Tunnel to Towers or Michigan Right to Life.