Marquette- William "Bill" Michael Ayotte, age 66 of 2722 Scenic Drive, Apt 103 of Marquette, MI and longtime Ishpeming resident went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 16 2014, at the Mather Nursing Center while in the loving care of the staff of and Mather and Lake Superior Hospice. At his side was his wife, Michele ( Horton, Dales) whom he married on February 7, 2000. Michele was a devoted caregiver, who took care of her husband as he battled his terminal diagnosis for the last 5 years.

Bill was born on June 13, 1948, in Ishpeming, to Jean (Ayotte) Baggiore and the late Alvin Ayotte. He was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School class of 1966 and then attended Northern Michigan University. He had two children, Tina and Tony with his first wife, Frances Valente. Initially, Bill was an Industrial Arts Educator in both Alma and Central Lake, MI. He then returned to the UP and received his Masters Degree Psychology and Social Work from NMU. Bill worked for Pathways where he served as a Clinical Director and Case Manager. Bill was also the CEO of the Shelter workshop in Negaunee, and as Director of Rehabilitation. He was proud of his participation on the State level in development of State laws for patient centered care planning for the adult mentally challenged, assisting and oversight of the initial adult group homes and the initiation of public transportation in Delta, Alger and Marquette counties. Along with his employment accomplishments, he also served on the Marquette County Board of Health for 18 years.

Bill will be remembered as an avid outdoorsman. He and his son often made trips together throughout the UP fishing and hunting. Bill served as President of the UP Horseshoe Pitchers Associations, and won many awards from the ABC bowling Association. He enjoyed being a coordinator for Special Olympics over the years. Bill and his brother were the first altar boys to serve at the newly built St. Pius X Catholic Church. He lived his Catholic faith daily and was an active member of numerous parishes over the years.

Bill is survived by his first wife, Frances Valente, his mother Jean (Ayotte) Baggiore of Ishpeming, 2 children: Tina (Craig) Anderson of Concord,NC, Tony (Rebekah) Ayotte of Ishpeming, a brother James (Mari) Ayotte of Ishpeming, a sister Carol (John) Denefe of Rogers, AR. His grandchildren include Jacob,Nicholas, Blake, and Luke Anderson, Drake Ayotte and Michael and Samantha Rivord. He is also survived by three step-children, especially Stephen (Heather) Dales of Ishpeming and step-grandchildren Andrew Hamel, Meghan Abigail and Mitchell Johnson and Elara Dales, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 5:00pm on Monday December 22, 2014 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette with Fr. Greg Heikkala officiating. Bill's family will greet relatives and friends on Monday at St. Michael's from 3:00pm until the time of service at 5:00pm.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .