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William O. Prine
Born: 12/20/1924
Died: 10/21/2020
Age: 95
Community: Saginaw, MI
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William O. Prine
Saginaw architect and planner passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 21, 2020 at the age of 95. He was born December 20, 1924, in Saginaw, Michigan, son of the late Harry E. Prine and Gertrude (Fliegel) Prine.
Bill and his wife, the former Joan Emery, celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary September 8, 2011 prior to Joey's death that same year. Joey and Bill were born and grew up in the same Saginaw neighborhood. They were self-described life-long best friends. Bill missed Joey every day of his life after her passing and often declared that they were married not "until death do they part" but for all eternity. We believe that their souls have reunited, and both will live on in us forever.
Bill leaves two sons and a daughter: Andrew W. (Susan) Prine, Saginaw, David E. (Kimberly) Prine, Fowlerville, and Becky Prine (Timothy) Sullivan, Thomas Township. Their daughter Barbara passed away at birth in 1955. Also surviving Bill are five grandchildren: Ryan (Lindsay) Sullivan, Margaret (Robert) Krzyzaniak, Sarah (Walter) Ridenour, William (Kacie) Prine and Zachary (Mindy) Prine; and one step- grandchild Brionna Davies, seven great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law Grace E. Manning, Saginaw, and several special nieces and nephews. Bill and Joey were very present in all their children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s lives, leaving immeasurable impact, love and memories they will cherish and live by.
Bill attended Saginaw Public Schools and was awarded his diploma from Saginaw High School in 1943, while in active naval service at sea. He was discharged with the rank of Lt. (jg), USNR. He truly loved the sea, and his interest continued until his death as an active member of the Navy League, as a plank owner of the Navy Memorial Foundation in Washington, D.C., and for many years was a Lake Michigan recreational small boat sailor. He graduated with scholastic honors from the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, in 1945, where he was commissioned Ensign USNR, and later graduated from the College of Architecture, University of Michigan in 1950. He was a life-long member of the First Congregational Church of Saginaw.
In 1956, Bill and William A. Spears formed the Saginaw architectural practice of Spears and Prine. In 1961, this firm became Prine, Toschach and Spears. In 1973, Bill practiced as a principal of PrineToshach Associates, Architects and Engineers. He entered individual practice in 1977 and retired from active architectural practice in 1990.
Some of the many projects for which he was professionally responsible included, the Saginaw Data Processing Center and 54 other projects for the Michigan Bell Telephone Company, Central Middle School, Heavenrich and Webber Elementary Schools and other school projects for the Saginaw Public School District, the first Athletic Facility and two other projects for Saginaw Valley State University, the TV transmitter building for Delta College, the First Ward Community Center, Neighborhood House for LSSM, Maplewood Manor Apartments for the Elderly and other work for the Saginaw Housing Commission. He was an associate architect for the Saginaw Civic Center Complex, responsible for project programming. Many of the projects are still functional, esthetically pleasing landmarks of the community; a reminder to his family of the practical and design forward approach he brought to every project, which have stood the test of time.
Bill was past president of the Saginaw Valley Chapter, American Institute of Architects, and Chairman of the Saginaw Architects Central Business Redevelopment Planning Team. He was past chairman and 20 year member of the Saginaw Planning Commission, past president and 27 year member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club, past 25 year board member of the First Ward Community Service, Commodore and life member of the Northport Bay Yacht Club, member of the Navy League of the United States and a long term member of the American Legion, past member of the Saginaw Chamber of Commerce, the Saginaw Club and the Germania Town and Country Club.
Bill would like to be remembered for his great love of family, books, music, little kids, sailboats and any friendly four-legged animal, especially small dogs and lap cats. He took great pride in the number of young architects with whom he was associated, offering first jobs to several who went on to have successful architectural practices of their own.
Our father was a well-mannered honest man who lived his life with integrity and according to the highest of principles. He was not shy about standing up for what he believed to be right, even if it was not the easy or popular opinion. He was also a dreamer and taught his children to create dreams for their lives that he helped them realize. Along with our mother, he created a childhood and family environment that we remember as magical and loving, one that we in turn tried to recreate for our own children. Dad had a great sense of humor and was an eternal optimist. We are so proud as to how he adapted to each difficult change that aging brought upon him, which he transitioned to with the grace and resilience we came to appreciate throughout his life. He has embedded many of these admirable traits in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, through life lessons, good natured anecdotes - which almost always were presented through a nautical theme, reference or best practice, for which they are eternally grateful.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the First Congregational Church, The Humane Society of Saginaw County, Inc., Commission on Aging-Saginaw, specifically for Meals on Wheels.
View William's memorial tribute video or send online condolences to his family at www.McGeehanFH.com.
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| Visitation |
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10/26/2020 |
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| Funeral Service |
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