William S. Tregea, born March 19th, 1944 in Merced California, raised in Berkley California, Reno Nevada, and San Francisco Bay area, before moving to Michigan at 17 for senior year at East Lansing High School. In his early days, he loved to learn, was a good conservationist (Sierra Club), liked hiking, camping (was a camp counselor in the Adirondacks) fishing, teaching and traveling. Bill loved his family of origin, 5 siblings and multiple nieces and nephews, brother and sister in laws. Bill loved to visit for weddings, and especially to see his sister Kathy, whom he would purchase a dinner from “the Warf” and share with her each time he visited. He also visited his Larmour family for many Christmas’ enjoying favorite cousins.

Bill was politically minded, protesting the Vietnam War and multiple other causes along the way, most recently prison reform, belonging to CAPPS (Citizens Alliance of Prisons and Public Spending). He continued his work for the Democratic Party in Adrian, throughout the years, organizing, working door to door. He also was part of creating the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee.

His passion for teaching began long ago and has encompassed his life, becoming the youngest professor at Central Michigan University, working as an adjunct professor at multiples Community Colleges and finally a tenured position at Adrian College teaching Sociology and Criminal Justice. Bill helped created the Masters Level Sociology program at Adrian College. Bill also taught prisons across the nation, throughout his entire life and wrote two books, “Prisoners World” and “Prisoners on Criminology”, teaching at Jackson Prison and Thumb Area Correctional facility.

Bill was loyal to Michigan State, where he completed his bachelors, two masters and a Ph.D. (Sociology and Criminal Justice)

Bill loved his mother, Marjorie, traveling with her to China, Mexico, Europe, Ireland, and UK., And taking care of her in her later years in his home.

After she passed, Bill married Kathy and began domestic life as the father of four; Emily (Luke), their daughter Ella, Max (Abreanna) their son Kyrie, Ian and Chris (Shelbey) their son Perrin. He jumped wholeheartedly into dance lessons, swim lessons, travel basketball, baseball, football, birthdays, family dinners and celebrations of all kinds and travel.

Memorial donations can be made to Recovery International.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Detroit Cremation Society, located at 8253 South Saginaw Street, Grand Blanc, MI 48439.