Goodbye Bill!

It is with great sadness that our chapter reports the passing of longtime chapter member and president,  William “Bill” Furtaw.  Bill was elected to the St. Clair County Pheasants Forever Chapter #74 Board of Directors in 1988.   He served as the Board Chairman from 1992-1995.  In 1995, Bill was elected Vice President of the chapter.  He served in that office from 1995-2010.  In 2010, Bill was elected the President of the St. Clair County Pheasants Forever Chapter and served with distinction in that office  right up to his passing.  

 

In 2016, Bill was inducted into the Michigan Pheasants Forever Long Spur Society.  Bill was recognized with a Lifetime Service Award from the Michigan Pheasants Forever State Council in 2018.  The presentation occurred  at the state convention in Lansing.  Bill was awarded this honor  for 30 plus years of being an active volunteer with PF.

 

As a former MUCC District Governor and an active target shooter, Bill brought a wealth of experience to our young chapter in the early days.  Bill’s strength in networking with the local conservation clubs was instrumental in the success of our chapter.  Bill was there for everything our chapter has accomplished over the  years.  From planning banquets, securing sponsorships, obtaining prizes, youth hunts, educational events, bb gun trailer events, regional and state meetings, habitat projects, you name it, Bill was leading or assisting at each event.  He was a key member of the team that has made the St. Clair County Pheasants Forever Chapter the oldest continuous chapter in the state of Michigan and one of the most successful.

 

Bill's commitment and attention to the St. Clair County Pheasants Forever Chapter #74, Pheasants Forever National, MUCC’s Youth Camp, and  conservation issues across the state of Michigan are something we can all aspire to.  He will be sorely missed by our chapter.  He was a chapter member, a PF officer, a mentor, a conservationist, and more importantly, our friend.

 

“Go afield with a good attitude, with respect for the forest and fields in which you walk. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person.”  Fred Bear

 

 

Bill Furtaw was a good person!  RIP Friend.

Bill receiving an award from Pheasant Forever CEO Howard Vincent.