WILLIAM (BILL) LANCE VanDRUNEN

It is with deep grief that the family of William (Bill) Lance VanDrunen announces his unexpected passing, at age 45, on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at Mine Centre, Ont.
He was born March 7, 1971 in Emo, Ont.
Bill is survived by his son, Maxwell VanDrunen of Fort Frances, Ont., and his mother, Teresa Bolen, also of Fort Frances, Ont.; and a loving partner, Pam Bliss and her daughter, Sarah, of Mine Centre, Ont. and her son, Billy, of Fort Frances, Ont.
He also is survived by two sisters, Rebecca Van Drunen of Fort Frances, Ont. and Alice Bolen of Toronto, Ont.; nephews, Christopher Hedman of Kenora, Ont. and Matthew VanDrunen of Fort Frances, Ont.; as well as cousins, aunts, and uncles too numerous to name individually.
He was predeceased by his father, Benjamin VanDrunen; and stepfather/mentor, Jack Bolen.
Bill was an exceptionally kind father and giving man. He was an avid, long-time hunter and fisherman, both sports he learned to love from many outings with his uncle, Tim Scott of Dance, Ont., and more recently his uncle, Dean Scott of Sylvan Lake Alta.
He took great joy in passing those outdoors skills and passions on to his son.
Bill also loved music, and was able to play piano and guitar, French horn, and harmonica. He had an ear for music and loved it in all of its forms, as does his son.
He was mechanically apt and his garage tools were well-used.
Bill loved to ride his Harley motorcyle, wear camouflage gear, go hunting with his companions every fall, and spend all the time he could in the summer fishing.
He enjoyed collecting and fixing old vehicles, as well as tending to his gun collection, reloading his ammo and his online forum, as well as researching any interest he had surrounding those avid hobbies.
He was nostalgic and items he inherited from his dad, grandparents, or stepfather mattered so much to him.
Bill most recently was employed as a dispatcher at New Gold in Rainy River District, and had held a position as manager of Q-Gold in Mine Centre and Fort Frances; as well as being employed in British Columbia in trucking and the oil fields, as well as being in a management position with PBen of Fort St. John, B.C.
He was described by many co-workers and friends as a very bright and efficient man; one who could be counted on under any circumstance.
Bill grew up in Devlin mostly and kept his boyhood friends, especially Pat Steele of Dance. He liked to help people but not to receive help.
We will miss his insightful comments, his transparent honesty, and his comforting company.
Bill never took sides with those who argued. He was not comfortable with disagreements of any kind and was highly-respected by his peers. He admitted his failures and his successes, and did not brag.
Bill exemplified love to those who knew him.
His ashes were interred in Burriss Cemetery on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 10 a.m., followed by a luncheon at the Devlin Community Hall from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The honourary pallbearers were very “dear ones” to Bill: Kyle Baldwin, Pat and Bob Steele, Jason McFayden, Robert Altbauer, Adam Goddard, Stefan Szeder, and Robbie VanDrunen.
In memoriam donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com