William "Bill" Ronald Blance

William (Bill) Ronald Blance

October 8, 1943 – June 17, 2025

William (Bill) Blance passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, at 81 years old.

Bill was a devoted husband to Dora (Jeffries), caring step-father to Amber (Shane) and David (Melissa), and devoted grandfather to Madeleine and Mitchell, both of whom brought him so much joy.

Bill was born in Almonte, Ontario, to Norma Jean Smythe and George Ronald Blance. The family moved to Brampton, Ontario, from Carleton Place when Bill was 15. Bill taught for the Peel Board of Education for 35 years after earning his teaching certificate from the Ontario College of Teachers in 1967 and a BA in history from Glendon College at York University in 1977. Many of Bill’s former students from WG Davis Sr. Public School kept in touch with him, from as far away as Australia.

Bill was a passionate musician, playing guitar, bugle, five-string banjo, and harmonica – all learned by ear. He loved bluegrass, playing and singing harmony with several bands and recording CDs. During his time with General Store, the group had a devoted following and won many music awards, including Gospel Group of Year five years in a row (2005 – 2009) at the Central Canadian Bluegrass Music Awards.

A life-long hockey fan, Bill discovered lacrosse after he moved to Brampton, coaching and managing many teams. He was the President of the Brampton Excelsiors Lacrosse Club in 1992 and 1993 when the senior men’s team won the Mann Cup. Bill received a lifetime membership to the club in 1991 for his many years of dedicated service to the game of lacrosse.

The family would like to thank the team at Extendicare Georgetown who helped care for “Mr. Bill” with love and kindness.

A private service and burial has taken place.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held in the Trafalgar Room at Jones Funeral home on Tuesday June 24th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

Memorial donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Humane Society.