Dr. William Michael Bocks ’52

Dr. William Michael Bocks, 86 of Holland, passed away at home on Saturday, June 25, 2016, with his loving family by his side. Bill attended Holland Public Schools, graduated from Hope College, received his Masters Degree from Western Michigan University and Doctorate in Education from Michigan State University.

His life was dedicated to education. He was principal of Hamilton High School, Superintendent of Schools in North Muskegon, Menominee and Grand Haven, professor of educational administration at Brock University in St. Catherines, Ontario and was the Associate Dean in the School of Extended Learning at Central Michigan University. He was a tireless advocate for the disadvantaged, serving on the Board of Directors of Michigan Special Olympics and the Urban League of Muskegon.

He was preceded in death by his son, Samuel; and is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marjorie Mulder ’52 Bocks; his children, Elizabeth “Libby” Bocks ’79 of Holland, Jessica and Buu Chau Le of Wyoming, and Nathan and Elizabeth (Becker ’90) Bocks ’90 of Holland; his grandchildren, Heather and Chris Hensley of Whitsett, N.C., Joshua and Elizabeth Bocks of New Hudson, Justin Bocks and Jessica Anne Bocks of Kingsford, Ashleigh Underwood of Wyoming, Duncan, Spencer, and Megan Bocks of Holland; and six very special great-grandchildren.

Bill taught his family many things, but most importantly, he taught us to care for others and look out for those who do not have anyone to watch over them.

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