William "Ed" "Bill" Edward McCourtie

William Edward McCourtie (aka Ed/Bill), passed away peacefully at his home in Concord, Michigan on April 24, 2026 with his loving wife by his side. Bill was born in Jackson, Michigan on September 9, 1937 to AJ and Isabel (Hills) McCourtie. He was a proud graduate of Michigan Center High School, Class of 1955, and continued his education at Jackson Junior College.

Bill began his engineering career at Commonwealth Associates, later working for Cummins & Barnard, and ultimately at Black & Veatch. He spent the majority of his career as a Power Generation Specialist, being involved in major power plant projects in North & South America.  His colleagues described Bill as dedicated, energetic, and enthusiastic about his work. He especially enjoyed mentoring the next generation of engineers.  

Crafting with wood was Bill’s passion. It all began when he built his first stock outboard race boat at age 12. He spent a lifetime building boats for racers who repeatedly won titles in their McCourtie-designed outboards. Bill raced as a teenager and young adult. In his later years he enjoyed watching and supporting his children and grandson as they continued the family racing tradition. Bill was a long-standing member of the Michigan Hydroplane Racing Association, the American Power Boat Association, and the First Presbyterian Church of Concord.
  
Bill met his wife, Julie, while both were working at Black & Veatch. After a whirlwind courtship they married on February 4, 1995. They made wonderful memories boating the Michigan Inland Waterway, snowmobiling with the “Wild Ones”, and camping with their B&V camping group.

Bill is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 31 years, Julie, his children, Terry Wasielewski, Kurt (Karen) McCourtie, Wendy (Steve) Brzezinski, Tim Schultz, and Stephen (Ryen) McCourtie. He is further survived by eleven grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, his brother Steve (Driscilla) McCourtie, sister-in-law Virginia McCourtie, and brother-in-law Paul (Pam) Brown. Bill is also survived by his former wife and friend, Leah McCourtie.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his son Gary McCourtie, daughter Kathleen McCourtie, grandson Colin Smith, and his brothers Dick McCourtie and Jack McCourtie.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, June 22, 2026 at the Concord United Methodist Church, Concord Michigan, at 12:00 Noon. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 a.m. 

Since Bill favored wearing blue jeans whenever appropriate, we invite everyone to dress casually.

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