Otis, Will – Composition & Speech; American Literature; American Humor

February 21, 1925 - March 11, 2009 at age 84.  Willard Leverett Otis, the son of extraordinary parents, Erwin and Olive Leverett Otis, was born in Dearborn, Michigan. Immediately after graduating from Dearborn High School in 1943, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corp. He served with the Transport Carrier Command from 1943 to 1946, spending time in China and India. In 1946 he enrolled at Eastern Michigan University (then Michigan State Normal College). Will married Beatrice Johnson on September 4, 1948, while both were attending E.M.U. He earned three degrees from the University - a B.S. in 1951, an M.A. in Education in 1959 and an M.A. in Administration in 1966. For 36 years, Will was an enthusiastic, talented and respected teacher in the English Department at Dearborn High School. He was Department Chair, Ski Club sponsor and Yearbook advisor. His teaching extended beyond classroom walls: He was a unique individual - a teacher in all walks of life. Always a positive, optimistic, joy-of-life person, Will became involved in many activities and organizations. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club (from which evolved the Safari Group), the Thursday Night Big Boys Tennis at Chippewa Racquet Club, and a Friday night poker group. He played nationally with the Ann Arbor YMCA volleyball team that won the 1961 Class "A" National championship. He was an avid fly fisherman with a circle of friends extending throughout Michigan. Will was a voracious reader and a member of the Friends of Library Board. He was a skilled woodworker and cabinet maker. Will was an award-winning photographer with the Downriver Creative Camera Club. With his wife, Bea, he enjoyed skiing, mountain hiking, camping, biking, travel, music and theater. After a life-long spiritual journey, Will found a home in The First Universalist Community of Ann Arbor. He enjoyed singing in the Unitarian choir. When Will was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1992, he faced this unknown adversary with his towering physical presence and a quiet inner strength.  Drawing upon resources of hope, courage and optimism, he continued to brighten lives, to touch hearts and to bring happiness to the lives of those around him. With limiting physical abilities, he expressed himself through drawing and painting, displaying a special aptitude and fondness for watercolor. But, first and foremost, Will was a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather. He and his wife Bea shared a special bond. To her he dedicated a lifetime of trust, solid advice, labors of love, caring, devotion and encouragement. With his children, he built sandboxes, play houses, tree houses, stilts, cars and go-carts in the belief that play is of utmost importance throughout one's life. He gave his children the tools they needed to build their lives, the knowledge they needed to use the tools successfully, the encouragement to overcome obstacles and the confidence to take pride in a job well done. Willard Otis, who unselfishly gave himself throughout his entire life, will be greatly missed. The world is a better place because this strong, gentle, peaceful and caring man was a part of it. Will is survived by his wife, Beatrice; his children: Amy Lynn Otis (Walter) Lange, and David Kim (Susan Steketee) Otis: his grandchildren Jonathan and Andrew Lange, and Katie, Sarah, David and James Otis. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, E.J. Otis Jr. and Charles L. Otis. Plans for a celebration of Will's life are incomplete. Contributions in Will's memory may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter, 21311 Civic Center Dr., Southfield, MI 48076-3911; or to the Ypsilanti Public Library, 5571 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Guest Book signing at janowiakfuneralhome.com