William (Bill) J. Bystrom

BIG BAY, MI-William (Bill) J. Bystrom, 84, of Big Bay, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, with his wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Cindy, at his side.

Bill’s life was marked by hard work, family, service, and a positive spirit that fueled his love of learning, exploring, making friends, and embracing all that life and the world had to offer.

Born in Marquette, Michigan, Bill grew up in the Upper Peninsula, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors. He cherished trout fishing on the Yellow Dog River, deer hunting at the family’s 125-year-old homestead, and enjoying all that the U.P. seasons provided, from fishing and hunting to winter sports.

In 1964, Bill graduated from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and Engineering Administration. That same year, he began his career with Bechtel Corporation, based in San Francisco, where he worked for 38 years until his retirement in 2001. As Vice President of Mining and Metals, Bill oversaw projects across the globe-including Chile, Peru, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia-always approaching his work with integrity and humility, often referring to his role as ‘chain link inspector,’ always looking for potential breaks in the chain.

After retiring, Bill and Jennifer divided their time between their homes on the Sunshine Coast of Australia and Big Bay, Michigan. He embraced Jennifer’s passion for sailing, joining friends in Wednesday and Sunday races on the Sunshine Coast and crewing in destinations such as Mexico, Malaysia, and Thailand. Together, they blended their shared loves of skiing and sailing, spending springs skiing at Lake Tahoe and summers enjoying the beauty of the U.P.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Krystal Lyn Bystrom, and his parents, Orville and Esther Bystrom.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Hughes-Bystrom; his daughters Cindy (Rusty) Anderson, Sandy (Bruce) Weldum, and Heather Bystrom; and his grandchildren Morgan, Myles, Nicholas, Melissa, Damien, Jayden, and Krystal Lyn.

Per Bill’s wishes, private services will be held in the spring.

Bill’s legacy is one of curiosity, adventure, kindness, and devotion to family. His love for the outdoors, his dedication to his work, and his zest for life will live on in all who had the blessing of knowing him.