Northville Chamber Names Local Dentist 'Citizen of the Year'

The named Dr. William Demray as its "Citizen of the Year" on Wednesday evening.

During an evening reception at the Inn at St. John's in Plymouth, where the Chamber's annual meeting was held, Demray was honored.

The following details about Demray are from a Chamber of Commerce press release:

Dr. Demray has been a dedicated and active member of the Northville community for over 30 years, and it is our honor to acknowledge his commitment and dedication to the Northville community.

Below is a summary of Dr. Demray’s activities, projects and accomplishments within the Northville Community.

• Native of Detroit and graduated from Cody High School. Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University in Biology and Secondary Education in 1971. Taught physics and biology at Farmington High School, 1972, 1973

• Graduated from University of Detroit with Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1975. Opened his dental practice in 1977 in downtown Northville in a historic home at 371 E. Main Street on the corner of Griswold Street, now called .

• Recipient of several City of Northville Beautification Awards for the careful renovation and preservation of the Preservation Dental office building.

• Served on the City of Northville BOCA Appeals Board, Northville Downtown Citizens District Council, DDA, Planning Commission and is a current member of the City Economic Development Corporation.

• Member of the Northville Chamber of Commerce since 1995.

• Serves as a mentor to high school and college students, allowing them to volunteer at his practice to gain exposure to the field of dentistry.

• Annual involvement in the and – floats, toothbrush giveaways, breakfasts, face painting. He was a sponsor for the City of Northville’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2005.

• Selflessly has donated personal time and gifts for many causes: park benches at , home dental care visits for hospitalized patients, plane rides for auction items, the “Binky” Tree (for placement of outgrown pacifiers).

• Purchased the house at 800 Griswold in 2005 and has allowed numerous non-profit organizations to host fundraising events at the home including the Northville Historical Society, the , and most recently the Northville AAUW for its showcase house and home tour.

• Bill's generosity is his most defining characteristic. He is generous with his time, talents and resources, and never draws attention to himself. For example, one night, a City police officer found Bill at the Waterwheel plant across from his office oiling the historic waterwheel. No one asked him to do it. He did it because it needed to be done. That’s Bill.

• Bill is a contemporary Renaissance man. He is a pilot, photographer, dentist, craftsman and art lover. He is passionate about life, and shares it with all who know him. For more than three decades he has been passionate about the City of Northville.