Obituary of William "Bill" Stephen Lane

William (Bill) Lane was born October 5, 1937 in Castor, Alberta and raised on the family farm just east of Byemoor. Bill was the oldest of the four Lane children, son of Bill and Zena, brother to Kathleen, Zena and Doreen. Bill’s lifelong interest in learning started at the age of six when he entered school. While doing his own lessons he listened into other classes allowing him to graduate with honours at age sixteen. His high honours earned him a Governor General’s Award and a scholarship to Olds College. Bill chose to turn down the scholarship in order to help his parents on the family farm as they both had health issues. From an early age Bill showed a great love of all animals. That love led to a lifetime dedication to the 4-H Beef Club. Bill supported the Byemoor Beef Club most of his life, as a member, then a leader and always attending the show and sale. As an eligible bachelor, neighbours felt he was a match for the new school teacher from England, Miss Jean Egan. Bill proved them right and married Jean in March of 1964. In January of 1967, daughter Susan Jean was born and in April of 1969, Karen Zena was born. In 1988 the family started to grow again when Susan married Dave Dahl. In 1992 Bill became a Grandpa for the first time when Dan was born. Three years later Steve was born. In 1997 Karen married Doug Groves; they gave Bill a granddaughter, Kirsten in 1999. Bill was the perfect grandpa, playing trucks on the floor or sitting up all night with a newborn. Bill never lost his interest to learn. He taught himself electronics and earning a licence as an electrician, he also became the community electrical handyman. Bill had a head for numbers so he later took a course to become a personal accountant. This skill was a retirement hobby that also earned an income. As he was interested in electronics, Bill loved computers, which brought him to purchase his first Tandy 1000, one of the first home computers Radio Shack sold. Over the years he upgraded many times to keep up with changing technology. His last purchase, a laptop, was used by Bill daily up to his last illness. Bill faced adversity in the same get it done attitude he always had. In 2002, he suffered his first major stroke but vowed to walk out of hospital and drive his tractor again. After a long rehab he did both. Upon returning home he decided to sell the family farm and move to Stettler. In 2006, after helping Jean with her long battle with Cancer, he lost the love of his life after 42 years of marriage. Bill remained in his own home until 2011 when a second stroke took the rest of his right side and the ability to speak, but this did not stop him, he moved to Heritage House Long Term Care. Once there he took part in all activities, including baking and bowling. Bill became the go to man for all activities. He will be missed by the staff, residents and visitors. Bill was predeceased by his parents, his wife Jean, sister Doreen Kneeland, brother in law Ron Komishke and sister in law Dolly McCrindle. Bill is survived by daughters Susan (Dave) Dahl, Karen (Doug) Groves; grandsons Dan and Steve Dahl; granddaughter Kirsten Groves; sisters Kathleen Komishke and Zena (Ed) Kalenith; brother in law Andrew McCrindle; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a large community of friends. Funeral Service Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. Heartland Chapel Stettler Funeral Home Stettler, Alberta Donations in memory of Bill are gratefully accepted to Stettler Health Services Foundation ~ Heritage House or a charity of your choice.