BOUDREAU, D.V.M., William “Bill” J. of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2010, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper. He was 65 years old. William J. Boudreau was born February 24, 1945, in Flint, to the late Dr. Francis A. and Marie Julia (Koyer) Boudreau. He was married to Nancy M. Price on September 7, 1968, in Maple Grove. She survives him.

Bill attended Maple Grove - St. Michael Catholic School, St. Lawrence Seminary (Wisconsin), St. Paul Seminary (Saginaw), Flint Community Junior College (Mott), and Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine (1969). He was a member of the Saginaw Valley Veterinary Medical Association and featured in The Saginaw News Best of the Best – 2003.

A man of endearing humor, Bill was a practicing veterinarian with a loyal following for 34 years; retiring from Cole Veterinary Hospital of Saginaw in 2003. With a great concern for animal welfare, he served on the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Saginaw County in the 1970’s and 1980’s. His fun and adventurous nature allowed him to enjoy snowmobiling and hunting in the U.P., downhill skiing, golfing, motorcycling, bicycling, traveling, blueberry picking, Hawaiian shirts and the color purple.

He established the Mid-Michigan Canoe Rally, now in its 34th year. The Pontiac Lake Hugga-Bugga-Boo Club was proud to accept him as a member as was the Morse Woods Enclave of Harbor Springs.

Bill loved working on his home and yard. It’s been said, “When Bill builds something, it stays built.” He was a jack-of-all-trades, and a do-it-all kind of guy. But if “it” went wrong, he would build a great bonfire.

Bill enjoyed sharing good times, great food, and new experiences with family and friends – old and new. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and in May, became a grandfather. Although he didn’t consider himself a teacher, everyone who knew him will remember him for what he taught.

Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy; a daughter, Rebecca (Joe) Boudreau-Schultz of Mason, MI; a grandson, Simon William Schultz; four sisters: Frances “Bonnie” Boudreau, Madeline (Michael) Birkmeier, Bethany (Dennis) Hebeler, Elizabeth Kaye (Timothy) Drexler; two nieces: Kathryn and Jayne; six nephews: Michael, David, Ryan, Joseph, Logan and Jim and their families; in-laws: Len and Linda Price, Patty and Doug Warner, Kathy and Dan Cerano; and dear friends: Harlin and Judy Morse.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: A celebration of Bill’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 9, 2010, at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter. Rev. Fr. Randy Kelly will officiate. To honor Bill, the family asks you wear a Hawaiian shirt or colorful clothing – especially purple.

VISITATION: Friends may call at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter (off State) on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 and Thursday, July 8, 2010, from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Eastside Soup Kitchen / Hidden Harvest, Saginaw County Animal Shelter or Covenant HealthCare. Please share your thoughts and memories with Bill’s family at the funeral home or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com.