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Gilbert Stevenson “Gil” Champion, II, age 52, of Morenci, Michigan died on Monday, September 7, 2020 at University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born on November 1, 1967 to Gilbert S. “Steve” Champion, Sr. and Shirley J. (Willeman) Champion in San Francisco, California.
Gil lead an extraordinary life; he traveled the world, lived in various states, loved his family, gave tirelessly and compassionately to others in need and had a strong abiding faith in God. He was a graduate of Carmel High School in Carmel, California where he is remembered for his dancing, sense of humor and laughter. He furthered his education at Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington; receiving his Bachelor of Arts and was currently working towards his Master’s via Barry University.
He was recently faced with a tough diagnosis of AML Leukemia; even with this grim disease Gil had an optimistic outlook on his prognosis. Much of this had to do with his strong faith in God – he knew his Lord and Savior would provide for him. Recently Gil moved back to Michigan to be closer with his family shortly before his diagnosis. He had a lot of catching-up to do with his family and many memories were made by having “family game night” which included plenty of card playing, board games and snacks with his aunts, uncles and cousins! What a great time that was. He never forgot about his family no matter where his travels took him and he never forgot about his humble-beginnings.
In his younger years as he was working towards his degree in Ministry, he spent time in Jerusalem, Israel – University of the Holy Land Studies. After completion, he worked in a Russian refugee center aiding those who were fleeing their country for religious freedom. Gil also went on several retreats, visiting monasteries in the U.S. and England. He also volunteered for one year for the Jesuit’s where he helped operate a shelter for homeless children. Gil worked as a Youth Program Director at All Saints’ Episcopal Church & Day School in Phoenix, AZ – always giving back to others through leadership and faith. Most recently he was a Licensed Agent for Humana in Phoenix prior to his illness.
He is survived by his mother, Shirley Champion; beloved canine companion, Henry; aunts and uncles, Donna (Bill) Nofziger, Martha Smith, Marilyn Willeman, Larry (Becky) Willeman, Pat (Harold) Perryman, David (Kim) Willeman; many, many cousins; host of dear friends and his friends from Carmel High School. He was preceded in death by his father, Steve Champion; uncle, Richard Willeman and grandparents, Dallas and Lyla Willeman and Janet Champion.
At Gil’s request there will be no services at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held for Gil when family and friends are able to safely gather.
In memory of Gil, memorial contributions may be made to University of Michigan Medical Center or by visiting https://leadersandbest.umich.edu and clicking, “Schools and Colleges” > “Medical School” > “Give to Areas of Highest Need.”
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. Grisier Funeral Homes in Wauseon, Ohio is honored to serve the Champion Family.