William Robert "Bill" Chaliman

Haslett, Michigan

William Robert “Bill” Chaliman passed away at his home in Haslett on Sunday, May 15, 2016, at the age of 71. Bill was born on November 1, 1944, in Lansing, Michigan, and was a lifelong resident. He was the first child and only son of Patricia McGill and Willie Chaliman. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister Carla Bayne, and grandparents Wasily and Mary Chaliman.

Bill is survived by his three daughters, Anastasia Chaliman, Rebecca Thompson and Jamie Schrenk; five grandchildren and one great-grandson; his aunt, Eva Chaliman; two sisters, Jenny Poor and Cathy Ovenhouse; his life partner, Jil Gahsman; and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was an all-city and all-state football receiver for Eastern High School. He graduated from Michigan State University. He retired from the State of Michigan, where he worked as a policy writer for Adult Protective Services. Bill loved to travel and play cards. He was a voracious reader, lifelong learner, music enthusiast, and an avid runner who loved the outdoors. Bill was a brilliant man who found beauty in life and love.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 11:00 a.m.

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9 Messages to “William Robert "Bill" Chaliman

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Mary Chaliman
May 17, 2016 at 12:49 pm

Rest well now, Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man.

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Jenny Poor
May 17, 2016 at 10:15 pm

My brother, my friend, my history. We shared many happy and sad times together. I will keep you in my heart for the rest of my life.
I love you.

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Cathy Ovenhouse
May 18, 2016 at 9:14 am

My big brother, I hope you now have found the peace that you’ve always sought. I’ll forever love and miss you.

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Debbie Beachnaw-Hansbarger
May 19, 2016 at 7:06 pm

I met you when I was 21, which was 40 years ago. I loved you as a boss, friend, and one of the most brilliant men I have ever known. You were a special person with a great heart. I only wish we had stayed in touch these last few years. My thoughts to your family.

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Allison Haraminac
May 20, 2016 at 1:03 am

Rest in peace, Uncle Bill. Thanks for bringing the Chaliman wit to countless family gatherings over the years. You were loved by many and will be missed.

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Ginger Butler
May 20, 2016 at 12:38 pm

I knew you as a young man so that is how I will always picture you in your midget convertible, the open road in front of you and belting out your rendition of James Taylor or Jackson Browne. Peace and love to you and your family.

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Erin Poor
May 21, 2016 at 12:21 am

Bill, your humor and infectious laugh were a big part of what made my childhood fun and are part of why I look forward to celebrating holidays with my family now. No matter what, we loved you and always will. You will be missed by many, but I hope you are now at peace and are happy.

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Donna Hartquist
October 5, 2017 at 8:18 pm

Bill, I will never forget your sense of humor or your love of adventure. You introduced me to Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe a long time ago. You loved your family. And, you were an amazing card player! I met your future wife Mary when you came to pick up your couch at my apt. You both seemed so happy together. Rest In Peace.

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Anastasia Chaliman
March 5, 2022 at 7:47 pm

Dad, I miss you so much. It still doesn’t seem real. You taught me so much in life. The most important thing you taught me was that love is the most important thing in life. Material possessions can be replaced. People can’t. And that really hurts right now because you’re gone and can’t be replaced. I close my eyes and remember. The memories of you are the things I cherish more than anything. You also taught me so much about science and music and atheism and just so so SO many things. You were absolutely, without a doubt, the most brilliant person I know. And you were so unique. And eccentric. I appreciate that so much. I remember going to the video store and renting movies with you. It was always so exciting. We must’ve watched The Yellow Submarine at least 20 times. The Land Before Time. Unico and the Island of Magic. Thank you dad… thanks for making my life so magical.
How I wish, how I wish you were here…
I love you dad

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