William George "Billy" Melluish

Passed away on September 25, 2018, at the ago of 39, in Baltimore, MD, their home. Billy will forever be remembered by his wife of 14 years, Kathy (Speicher), and his children Emmett, Helena and Vivienne. The beloved youngest of six children born to James W. and Patricia A. Melluish, Billy also married into another large family. He will be lovingly remembered by his brother, sisters and in-laws Harley, Sarah and Jeremy Sanford, Annie and Jeff Eastman, Charles and Marie Speicher, Carl and Jaqcki Speicher, Mark and Stacy Speicher, Matt and Heather Speicher, and Regina and Matt Hutchinson. Billy was a favorite uncle to 25 nieces and nephews, and the godfather of two: Ally Grace Cummings and Will Eastman. He was preceded by his maternal and paternal grandparents. A native of Kalamazoo, Michigan Billy attended Winchell Elementary School, St. Monica Catholic School and Hackett Catholic Central high School. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with his degree in Architechture. He worked a t Gruzen Samton in New York City and BCV Architects in San Francisco before joining GWWO, Inc./Architects in Baltimore in 2008, where he was a licensed architecht, associate and talented construction specialist. Billy experienced the onset of type 1 Diabetes at ag 14 and wrote and had a published book: Diabetes at 14-- Choosing Tighter Control for and Active Life. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma at 38 and bravely lived with the disease for 13.5 months. He had a great love of family, and being a father brought him his life's greatest joys. Billy also enjoyed the piano, guitar, games and puzzles of all sorts, outdoor activities including golfing, snowboarding, camping, hiking, and jumping into chilly water, and traveling throughout the world. Six weeks spent traversing the country and visiting national parks with his wife when relocating from San Francisco to Baltimore provieded some of his favorite memories. All who knew Billy will remember his quick smile, warm personality, dance moves, sense of humor, unending optimism, constant gratitude, and his uncanny ability to make any ordinary day extraordinary. He was a lover of salty snacks and strong coffee with lots of cream and sugar. His strong Catholic faith guided him throughout his entire life. A Funeral Mass was held in Baltimore. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Monica's Catholic Church in Kalamazoo on October 12, 2018. It will begin at 12:10 pm with a luncheon for all immediately following. Private burial will follow. Memorial donations in Billy's name may be made directy to defeatgbm.org and to the Catherdral of Mary Our Queen, 5200 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210. The family will also gratefully accept contributions to the children's education funds (for this please include a note indicating your intentions.) Arrangements made by Redmond Funeral Home 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI  49008 www.redmondfuneralhomes.net.