William D. Bollin

William D. Bollin, age 79, a longtime resident of Farmington Hills, passed away on May 5, 2026. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 1, 1946 to William H. and Carol J. (Heino) Bollin. William graduated from Bentley High School in Livonia with the class of 1964. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force Academy with dreams of becoming a pilot. During his time at the academy, he also played basketball at the NCAA collegiate level. William was united in marriage to Sharon A. (Raff) Bollin on October 30, 1971; they spent 53 years lovingly devoted to one another until her death on March 8, 2025.

William was a skilled electrician by trade and carried on the family business, Bollin Electric, after his father’s retirement. He worked alongside his brothers and was always willing to provide opportunities for friends and family, mentoring and training future electricians, including his son and several nephews. Over the course of his 40-year career, William contributed to countless projects throughout the area, including many custom homes. Even after retirement, he continued helping friends and family with side jobs, always generous with his time and talents.

William’s true calling may have been in law enforcement. From the late 1970s through the mid-1990s, he served as a reserve police officer in Farmington Hills, Walled Lake, and Wolverine Lake. A natural people person, William found great purpose in serving his community and used his dedication and ability to connect with others to help those in need. William was deeply devoted to the Fraternal Order of Police, holding memberships with both Lodge 128 and later Lodge 130. He was actively involved in the organization and dedicated countless hours to organizing and supporting community programs, including Christmas parties for the children at Children’s Village.

An avid competition shooter, William served as captain of the FOP Lodge 128 pistol team, competing throughout the United States and Canada and earning numerous championships along the way. He also served as president of the Michigan Police Combat Pistol Association. William was also an active member of the Livingston County Wildlife and Conservation Club, where he enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie he shared with fellow members. During the 1980s, William organized and directed what was then the largest indoor pistol match in the country, held at the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association.

William lived a full and active life centered around helping others and building connections with those around him. William, who started each day with breakfast at Leo’s Coney Island, never met a stranger and was always eager to strike up a conversation with anyone willing to talk. Throughout the years, he generously gave his time to numerous charitable causes and organizations, always looking for ways to support and uplift others. William firmly believed that every person deserved to have a voice and to be heard.

Supporting veterans was a cause especially close to William’s heart. He was actively involved with the Flag City Honor Flight, helping escort veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the nation’s war memorials. William also hosted monthly gatherings for veterans at the Brookdale Senior Living facility in Farmington Hills, which each year culminated in a special dinner he proudly organized in their honor. William had a special love for animals and volunteered with Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit where he fostered and adopted many dogs over the years.

At the center of William’s life was his deep love for his family and friends. He treasured time spent at the family cabin in Harrisville, where he enjoyed relaxing and taking in the beautiful views of Lake Huron. A devoted and supportive father, William coached his son’s football team, volunteered with the NFWB Vikings and Farmington Hills Harrison booster clubs, and photographed his daughter’s cheerleading squad. He took great pride in supporting his children’s accomplishments and interests, including his son’s membership in Delta Sigma Phi, the same fraternity William belonged to, and his daughter’s involvement in the AKX sorority. Following the loss of his daughter, William honored her memory by establishing a scholarship fund in her name at Lake Superior State University.

Several times a year, William organized a Detroit historical bar tour, where he and his friends would visit downtown establishments known for their rich history, from connections to Prohibition-era stories to tales of being haunted. William and his wife shared a love of bowling and spent more than 30 years in a league together with friends at Country Lanes. They were also passionate hockey fans and held season tickets for the Detroit Red Wings for over 35 years. As their grandchildren began playing hockey, their focus naturally shifted to watching them on the ice, and few things brought William more joy than being in the stands cheering them on. He was a constant presence at their games, always proudly supporting them and celebrating every moment.

William lived a life defined by service, dedication, and deep love for his family and community. He gave generously of his time and talents, whether through his work, his volunteer efforts, or the many organizations and causes he supported over the years. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

William is survived by his loving son, Rob (Shannon) Bollin; his grandchildren, Lana Bollin and Braeden Bollin; his siblings, Ken (Barb) Bollin, Janette Guenther, Tim (Ann) Bollin, and Per (Elisabeth) Sandberg; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; his daughter, Leah Marie Bollin; his parents; his sister, Sherrill Rigley; and his brother Chris Bollin.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Leah Marie Bollin Memorial Award at Lake Superior State University, c/o Office of Advancement, 650 W. Easterday Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.