Obit -- William Morrish

William Morrish, 65, of Grand Island, passed away suddenly on Monday, Feb. 21, 2011.

He owned a collision shop on Grand Island for many years and later pursued his interests in restoring fine antique cars. Morrish played hockey since he was in high school, and loved the game. For five years, he and his wife, Ruth, owned and operated the Class Athlete Sporting Goods store on Grand Island. The store supplied many young youth with varsity jackets and school spirit attire.

Morrish's hobbies were most recently in photography. He enjoyed photographing the Vikings varsity hockey team, as well as various junior hockey teams in the U.S. and Canada.

He was profoundly proud of the on-ice skills displayed by his oldest grandson, Ben, and watched each game with immense joy.

Morrish loved listening to his second grandson, Owen, who played the drums and percussions. Owen also thrived on the Piranha swim team. Morrish took great pleasure in watching his three youngest grandchildren - Lauren, Ryan and Addison - as they grew up in North Carolina. He looked forward to each and every trip and chance he had to spend time with them.

Bill is survived by Ruth, his wife of 45 years; and by his children, Nancy (Mark) Miller and Craig (Jill) Morrish. He also leaves behind his five grandchildren: Benjamin, Owen, Lauren, Ryan and Addison.

Morrish will be greatly missed by all who had opportunity to cross his path.

Funeral services were held Thursday at the Kaiser Funeral Home. Burial services will commence on Friday, Feb. 25, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo.