William E. Colby

William Edward “Willie” Colby passed away peacefully at home on Sunday morning, August 16, 2026, surrounded by those he loved most. His wife, Becky, and his children were by his side.

In the three days leading up to Willie’s passing, his home was filled with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and other loving family members. Together, they shared memories, laughter, tears, and plenty of coffee while reminiscing about their lives and the many years they were fortunate enough to share with him. Those final days together became a reflection of what mattered most to Willie throughout his life: family.

Willie was a kind and giving man who was rarely, if ever, heard speaking an unkind word about another person. Although he did not regularly attend church, he lived his life guided by Christian values, showing them through his kindness, generosity, compassion, and the way he treated others.

Willie was generally a quiet man and never one to use more words than necessary. He especially enjoyed the times when the whole family was together—playing cards and games, celebrating holidays, or sharing family vacations. He loved nothing more than sitting back and watching as the family grew loud, laughed together, and sometimes got a little wild. Those moments brought him great joy, and simply being surrounded by the people he loved was one of his greatest pleasures.

Music was an important part of Willie’s life. A talented bass player, he spent years playing with bands including Gunsmoke and Backwoods. Over the years, you may have danced to Willie’s music at places such as the Buckhorn in Tawas or the Sportsman’s in Whittemore.

Willie was also a talented craftsman. In addition to his day job at Cooper Standard, he wove beautiful black ash baskets. His work was displayed at numerous art shows, and he was a longtime member of the Tawas Bay Art Gallery. His baskets were more than a hobby; they were pieces of his creativity, patience, and craftsmanship that will continue to be treasured by those fortunate enough to have one.

Some of Willie’s greatest pleasures were also the simplest ones. He loved drinking Faygo cream soda, hearing the coyotes howl at night, and watching the birds gather around the backyard feeder. He found happiness in these quiet, ordinary moments and in the life he built with the people he loved.

Willie will be remembered not only for the things he accomplished or created, but for the kind of man he was: quiet, talented, gentle, generous, and deeply devoted to his family.

A light has gone out of our lives, and nothing will ever be quite the same without him. But Willie leaves behind a lifetime of stories, music, laughter, handmade treasures, and memories that will continue to live on through the family he loved so dearly.

Willie is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Colby; his children, Crystal Riley (née Colby), Kyle Colby (Ashley Selle Colby) Anna Polash(née Schubert)James Polash, Lu Colby(Tim Payton), and Malia Robb (née Colby)(Nick Robb)

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Evan Perrin (Jessica Metiva)Emma Gibson (née Riley) (Brennan Gibson) Lauren Burt( Trevor Combs)Henry Colby, Myles Robb, Sophia Robb; and his great-grandchild, Vivian Elaine Combs.

Willie is further survived by his sister, Laura Colby; sister-in-laws LuAnn Tuttle and Hannah Hinkle Ayala.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma Dodge Colby; his father, Archie Colby; his sister, Margaret Colby; his brother, Charles Colby; his brother-in-law, Don Tuttle; and Niece Casey Quarana