Always in Our Hearts:

In Memory of Our Amazing Supporters
Bill Lee

William Lee

The Miss Wayne County family is heartbroken to share that long-time volunteer, William (Bill) Lee, passed away suddenly on April 19, 2020.  Bill and his wife, Sharon, have been volunteers for Miss Michigan, Miss Wayne County, and countless other local programs over the years.  He was a very talented photographer who, at one point, was charged with taking the official photos at Miss America for the state of Michigan.  He will be greatly missed.

Lee, 69, was born in Iron Mountain, lived in Traverse City until he was 5 years old and then Livonia for the remainder of his life.

He graduated from Franklin High School in 1968 and Lawrence Tech in 1973 and worked as a senior transmission engineer at the Ford transmission plant in Livonia until he retired.

Known to many as Bill, he was frequently praised for being helpful and friendly - willing to fix cars, work on simple plumbing and do electrical repairs in homes for people.

He enjoyed photography and playing softball and was an avid deer hunter. Starting at age 14, he went hunting every year near Alpena.

Lee is survived by his wife, a son, and two brothers.
"Little Bill"

William "Little Bill" Kandilian Jr.

William “Little Bill” Kandilian Jr., 69, of Commerce, died suddenly in Redford on Friday, August 21, 2020. Dear husband of the late Brenda Kandilian (2018), Father of  Cynthia Sweet, Andrea(Joe) Jenkinson and William Kandilian III “B3”; Grandfather Madison Sweet, Jacob and Jesse Jenkinson. "Little Bill" was the brother of Andrea (George) Peck   and Carl  (Nancy) Kandilian.  Uncle Bill to Kyle Kandilian, Elliot Peck, Eddie Ursing, Margie Ursing, and Julian Ursing (Kim). Brother-in-law to Edmund Ursing and Great Uncle Bill to Julianna.

"Little Bill" was the son of William “Big Bill, Biggie” Kandilian. "Biggie" owned Big Bill’s Sport Shop in Dearborn Heights. With the apple not falling to far from the tree, "Little Bill" opened Little Bill’s Trophies on Six Mile and Beech Daly in Redford in 1976. He was truly a pioneer in the trophy world paving the way for future award businesses. "Little Bill" wanted to be larger than " Biggie" Over the years he grew Little Bill’s to be one of the prominent award shops in Michigan. He was well-known to the sports world by sponsoring teams and providing awards to countless little leagues and tournaments around the State of Michigan and beyond. What "Little Bill" loved the most was providing trophies to kid’s sports. From hockey to bowling, baseball to football and basketball, to other little leagues and beyond, he sincerely relished every moment of the smiling faces of children across the state throughout the years. If you had an award on your shelf or a plaque on your wall, there was a great chance it was from Little Bill’s. He held a superior quality with trophies and engraving that has kept him in business today.
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We will remember  "Little Bill" as truly one of a kind with his larger than life personality. He will be missed by those of his Bass club, bowling, and golf buddies, and all around the sports world. He had a giant heart and loved his family, friends, and anyone else who wanted to join the party. "Little Bill" has left a hole in many hearts but restored hearing in their ears. You will be missed Little Bill!
Joe Copperstone

Joseph Copperstone

Joseph John Copperstone, age 55, of Livonia, MI, passed away peacefully from a long battle with cancer on June 2, 2021. Joe is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Copperstone. Survived by his wife, Wendy for 27 beautiful years, proud father of Morgan (Andrew Rumon) and Nick (Morgan Kruger). Brother of Sherryl Calcaterra (Kenny) and Laura Klepinger (Mark). Son of Janice Copperstone.Joe was born on July 21, 1965 to Joseph and Janice Copperstone in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Andover High School in 1983 and also attended Central Michigan University. Joe met his wife Wendy on a blind date in 1990 and three years later they married in West Bloomfield on September 11, 1993. He welcomed two beautiful children into the world, Morgan and Nick, who were his life.

Joe was the proud owner of Athletic Uniform Lettering (Brick Shirt House) in Redford for the last 24 years, working there for 40. Those who knew Joe knew what an exceptional business man he was. He had a strong work ethic and always wore his heart on his sleeve. Joe was a devoted father and an avid hunter and skilled fisherman. He will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, funny stories, and his contagious smile.
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Joe had a life long goal of taking his son, Nick on an elk hunting trip, which he was thrilled he was able to accomplish. He was so pleased with Nick's very successful landscaping business. Joe was proud of his daughter, Morgan who got married in October of 2019 and had a special moment walking down the aisle together. He adored Morgan's desserts she made through her small business. He admired his hunting property up north, where he and his friends built a beautiful barn for his family, where he spent countless weekends Joe also enjoyed vacationing with his wife, Wendy and took a trip to Jamaica which was one of their favorites. Joe will be dearly missed by many friends and family.