William L. Bill Masten

William L. Bill Masten, age 79, of Sylvania, OH, died February 26, 2018, at Ebeid Hospice after a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Bill was born November 23, 1938, in Sandusky, OH, to the late George and Emma (Glaze) Masten. From age 8 to 22, he was a member of the award-winning Trinity Episcopal Church men and boys choir under choirmaster Wesley R. Hartung. His singing prowess earned him the lead in multiple musicals (Oklahoma, South Pacific) and the play (The Mad Savages) in high school. After graduating from Scott High School, he attended the University of Toledo where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity where he was the President of his pledge class. Bill then served in the United States Coast Guard attaining the rank of Electrician Mate, Third Class. On the day he was sworn in, his parents received his Army draft notice, but the Coast Guard told him, “once you are sworn in, you are a Coastie.” During basic training in Alameda, CA, he set the obstacle course record and then broke his own record two more times. Bill, as a member of his basic training company, was the coxswain on a 26-foot Monomy surf boat. The coxswain is responsible for steering the boat and coordinating the power and rhythm of the rowers. His company, Bravo 39, was undefeated for five consecutive months. He received an honorable discharge in 1970. He worked for more than 28 years at the General Motors plant on Alexis Road as an industrial engineer. As an engineer, there was nothing he could not repair. His creativity and knowledge enabled him to find the solution(s) to any problem. With his love of sports, he spent decades competing in the GM salaried men’s bowling and golf leagues. He won the bowling league championship twice, achieved a highest score of 279 with 11 out of 12 strikes and won the golf league four times. He was a four-handicap golfer for most of his career with one hole-in-one. Upon retirement in 1992, he was afforded time to sharpen his already excellent golf game and improve his new passion, tennis, at the former Laurel Hills Tennis Club. He and his son went to work at Wedgewood Driving Range where they fitted and sold golf clubs and gave many tips to aspiring golfers helping to improve their games. They then went to work at The Legacy Golf Club in Ottawa Lake, MI as assistants to the pro shop manager. Bill continued to love boating and was a member of Riverview Yacht Club. He found his greatest joy in spending time with his wife, and dearly loved her with all his heart. There is nothing he would not do for her. She will never forget his warm hugs and tender kisses and knows forever that she got “one of the very best.” He also loved his son and his son’s family who were his pride and joy. One of Bill’s proudest moments was being Best Man in his son’s wedding. “Crane man,” as he was affectionately known by his granddaughters, was based on a special game that he played only with them. Bill loved being with the two girls and receiving their unconditional love, hugs and kisses. They, in turn, will never forget their crane man. Bill will be lovingly remembered for his selflessness, kindness and unwavering positive attitude. His warmth and friendly smile, but most of all his optimistic personality, won him the admiration of many and inspired all who met him. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of more than 46 years, Barbara (Czyzewski) Masten; his son, Todd (Ann) Masten; and his granddaughters, Madelyn and Isabella. Visitation begins at 4 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2018, in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) and a memorial service to celebrate his life begins at 7 p.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Bill’s honor to Ebeid Hospice or the Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania campus.