Obituaries

William “Bill” Irving Kinsella Jr., lovingly known as “Poppa” to his grandchildren, passed away on April 29, 2026. Born on June 27, 1937, to William and Myrtle Kinsella Sr., he lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, and deep devotion to those he loved.

Bill graduated high school in 1955 and married the love of his life, Beverley, on December 22, 1955. Shortly after, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy from October 1955 to November 1958. In 1960, he began a long and dedicated career with General Motors in Livonia, where he worked until his retirement in 1991.

In his younger years, William was an accomplished athlete, participating in basketball, baseball, and football, and earning All-Conference honors as a center in basketball. Over time, his passions turned to the outdoors, where he found joy in snowmobile racing, participating in the I-500 for 22 years, along with deer hunting and bird watching.

Known as a quiet outdoorsman, William was also widely recognized for his toughness and grit. Stories of his resilience became family legend, whether returning to work on crutches after stepping into a vat of acid at work the very next day or calmly driving himself for help after a serious snowblower accident, simply remarking he “might need to go to the hospital.” He faced life’s challenges with steady composure and understated humor.

An avid reader, William, rarely went without a book. When he ran out of his usual reading material, he would pick up anything available, even romance novels, prompting laughter among family. This sparked a tradition of loved ones bringing him boxes of thrift store books, which he would eagerly read through in just days.

William’s small blue garage became a gathering place in his community, where friends met for beer and conversation for many years. Known for his willingness to help, he spent countless hours fixing cars, snowmobiles, and anything else brought his way. With humor, he referred to his group of white-haired friends as the “Q-Tips,” a nickname that reflected both his wit and the camaraderie he valued so deeply.

Family memories of Bill are filled with simple, meaningful moments, Sunday barbecues, long drives up north, camping trips, holiday gatherings, and time spent just being together. Whether it was watching football and joking about the Lions, riding in his camper, or making sure every grandchild had a turn on the snowmobile, he created a life centered around connection, tradition, and love.

To many, he was “Bill”, a steady, dependable man. But to his grandchildren, he was “Poppa,” and that is where his softer side shined brightest. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren deeply. He was the kind of man who might be quiet in a room full of adults but could be found on the floor playing with kids, letting a great-granddaughter paint his nails, or taking time to show a child the deer outside the window. Whether it was hauling wood, sharing candy from his chair, or pulling kids behind a snowmobile on winter days, he created moments that will never be forgotten.

He was a lifelong member of the VFW and the American Legion and enjoyed attending Donaldson Church with his Aunt Nora Jean Wilcox.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Beverley; his brother, Patrick Kinsella; his sister, Linda Vanluven; his parents, William and Myrtle; his mother-in-law, Georgia Newell; and many beloved aunts and uncles.

William is survived by his children, William (Shirley) Kinsella of Romulus, Michigan, Kathleen (Troy) McBride of Brimley, Michigan, Jeffrey (Roni) Kinsella of Canton, Michigan, Georgia (Phil) Jobe of Brimley, and Patrick (Rachel) Kinsella of Canton; grandchildren, Lindsey Kinsella, Troy “TJ” McBride, Danielle Fowler, Madison Puckett, Erik Vaughn, Krystal Wilder, Jessica Kinsella, Jodi Vaughn, Kyra Hathaway, Hope Kinsella, Maegan Kinsella and Noel Kassel; great-grandchildren, Liam, Marshal, William, Callum, Thomas, Mason, Keegan, Khloe, Kaylee, Charlie, Mercy, Logan, Connor; siblings, Ruth Campbell, Ken Kinsella and Beverly “Sue” Jones.

William, “Bill”, Poppa… will be remembered as a man who spoke little but gave much, a steady presence, a helping hand, and a quiet strength that shaped the lives of those around him. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friends he supported, and the stories that will continue to be shared for generations.

Memorial Contributions may be given in Bill’s honor to the Ball Hospice House, 308 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at First Congregational Church, 6984 M-221, Brimley, MI 49715, from 12:00AM to 1:00 PM. The Funeral Service will start at 1:00 PM with the burial at Hillcrest Cemetery in Brimley, Michigan to follow.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.