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WEST MICHIGAN -
He founded one of West Michigan's largest universities, was a national commentator and served under three different presidents.
Now people throughout the country are remembering Grand Rapids native Bill Seidman who passed away at the age of 88.
His death was a surprise to a lot of people. Seidman passed away at his home in New Mexico after fighting an illness for about a week. Friends thought he was indestructible. But what was indestructible is the legacy he leaves behind.
"His fingerprints will be found everywhere for many years," said former Ambassador to Italy Peter Secchia.
Thousands of students may have walked passed Bill Seidman's portrait at Grand Valley not knowing who he is or what he stood for.
Back in 1960, he became the founding father of the University. The College of Business is now named after him. People at a GVSU foundation dinner held a moment of silence in his honor Wednesday night.
"Grand Valley is Grand Valley because of Bill Seidman," said University President Tom Haas.
Seidman also helped create Old Kent Bank, which later turned into Fifth Third Bank. But that's not all. As a friend of President Ford, he was quickly thrust into the national spotlight.
He served as Ford's economic advisor and worked for two other presidents. Eventually serving as the Chairman of the FDIC helping the country during the American Savings and Loan Crisis.
"He was a soft spoken guy but carried a big stake, he had a lot of influence, he knew where to go to get answers," said Secchia.
And at a time when most people retire, Seidman kept going. He was a chief financial commentator for CNBC for the past few years. The network also paid tribute to him on the air.
Bill leaves behind a wife and six children. There will be a large public memorial for Seidman at Grand Valley in his honor. But the details haven't been finalized yet.
Now people throughout the country are remembering Grand Rapids native Bill Seidman who passed away at the age of 88.
His death was a surprise to a lot of people. Seidman passed away at his home in New Mexico after fighting an illness for about a week. Friends thought he was indestructible. But what was indestructible is the legacy he leaves behind.
"His fingerprints will be found everywhere for many years," said former Ambassador to Italy Peter Secchia.
Thousands of students may have walked passed Bill Seidman's portrait at Grand Valley not knowing who he is or what he stood for.
Back in 1960, he became the founding father of the University. The College of Business is now named after him. People at a GVSU foundation dinner held a moment of silence in his honor Wednesday night.
"Grand Valley is Grand Valley because of Bill Seidman," said University President Tom Haas.
Seidman also helped create Old Kent Bank, which later turned into Fifth Third Bank. But that's not all. As a friend of President Ford, he was quickly thrust into the national spotlight.
He served as Ford's economic advisor and worked for two other presidents. Eventually serving as the Chairman of the FDIC helping the country during the American Savings and Loan Crisis.
"He was a soft spoken guy but carried a big stake, he had a lot of influence, he knew where to go to get answers," said Secchia.
And at a time when most people retire, Seidman kept going. He was a chief financial commentator for CNBC for the past few years. The network also paid tribute to him on the air.
Bill leaves behind a wife and six children. There will be a large public memorial for Seidman at Grand Valley in his honor. But the details haven't been finalized yet.
