Obituaries

William (Bill) Nystrom, age 54, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. He was born on January 15, 1972, in Malden, Massachusetts, to John (Jack) F. Nystrom and Velma “Bunny” (Ellis) J. Nystrom.

Bill, affectionately known to many as “Buckadoo,” grew up in Everett, Massachusetts. His parents later moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 1981, settling at 910 Young Street. His unique nickname came from his buck teeth as a child, a name that would stick with him throughout his life.

Bill was a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He earned his high school diploma in 1993 and went on to receive numerous certificates in culinary arts. His love for cooking led him to begin his career as a chef alongside Fred Gardner at the Sault Tribe Bingo Hall. Throughout the years, Bill shared his talents in the kitchens of several local establishments, including Angio’s, The Palace Saloon, and the deli at Kewadin Casinos, where he spent many years. He took great pride in his cooking and was especially known for making the best Italian subs. Cooking was more than a job to Bill; it was something he truly loved.

A true Bostonian at heart, Bill was a lifelong Boston Bruins fan who never forgot his Massachusetts roots. As a child, he enjoyed playing both Little League baseball and hockey. One of his proudest memories came from his hockey days, when he and his father, who coached his team, won the State Championship together.

Bill loved the band KISS and was a big fan of heavy metal music. He was also covered in tattoos from head to toe. To those meeting him for the first time, Bill might have seemed intimidating, but those who knew him knew that beneath his tough exterior, Buckadoo had a heart of gold. He will be deeply missed by his many friends, coworkers, and, especially, his family.

Bill is survived by his loved and cherished daughter, Felyssia McAllister of Fargo, North Dakota; mother, Bunny, of Sault Ste. Marie; siblings, Kim Nystrom of Rudyard, Michigan, John Scott Nystrom of Sault Ste. Marie and Adam Nystrom of Sault Ste. Marie; niece, Jocelyn (JJ) Nystrom; nephews, Randy (Mindy) McLeod and Christopher (Alli) McLeod and their children, all of Sault Ste. Marie; extended family, uncle and aunt, Ed and Sandy Reining of Sault Ste. Marie, uncle, Robert Ellis of Sault Ste. Marie; aunt, Brenda Gaynor of Nahant, Massachusetts; numerous cousins from Sault Ste. Marie and Boston, Michigan; former wife, Tammy Nolan-Garlinghouse and her children; good friends, Dan Woodhall and family, and Jessica Marble and family; and his cat, Mattson.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Jack; aunt, Roberta Nystrom; uncle, Bob Gaynor; cousin, Colin Gaynor; grandparents, Harold and Elsie Ellis; nana, Patricia Nystrom; great-grandparents, William and Mary Murray and Joseph and Beaulah Burke; great-aunt and uncle, Gwen and Bud Campbell; and great-aunt, Joan Rutledge.

Per William’s wishes, no services will be held.

Fly high Buckadoo! We love and miss you!

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