Saturday, October 29, 2022
To Auntie Ann and all the Loran family ,
When I hear the name Bill Loran, a lot of stuff comes to mind. Pillar of the community, Although fitting, does not do him justice.
I remember him building countless houses , on the side for more people than you can shake a stick at while having a full-time job. When I was a teenager I did not realize what kind of commitment that takes.
I was in his grade 10 algebra class which I passed with 50%. Which I was overjoyed with! I don’t know if I actually made it or if that was him having mercy on me. But I remember being in the class and him taking a phone call and talking about a framing package to someone about what they needed to get. He was also quite entertaining as a teacher as well !We had a “ princess” in the class. She would come in and make it very well known that she was there and loudly complain about a lot of different things. I remember uncle Bill squaring off with her More than once and he would Address her by her name and then , in a low slow , calm cool collected voice , say…“The home ec class is on the second floor ….….Miss Ridzik’s class …..room 216.
She would become livid!
When he found out that I was in his class he offered me to go to another teacher for algebra because of our uncle/ nephew relationship. I chose to stay .I felt honoured, privileged and entertained to be in his class . I am very glad I stayed.
He worked hard and he played hard. We have old 8 mm films of him jumping an old tank of a snowmobile with practically no suspension over the front hedge at the farm.
I remember my dad putting up a striking black and green sign in our field at the last intersection when you come to the farm. It Read,
“ VOTE LIFE
VOTE LORAN “
Uncle Bill was not afraid to stand up for what was right, what was true and probably be unpopular for it.
From my recollection it was uncle Bill and auntie Ann that Spearheaded sponsoring the Chandaras from Laos .And Marion’s family from Poland .I remember hearing a story of how Bob and his family escaped under some military fence. It Sounded like a terrible war movie. The Families involved had rented an old war time house by St. Goretti school for the Chandaras. Bob told someone he felt like he was walking into a castle. Next thing I remember was Bob driving a Camaro . He and his family were enjoying a new found freedom & lease on life because of what uncle Bill and auntie Ann had started.
When my dad first met uncle Bill because he had come a courtin’ auntie Ann. My dad said he over heard uncle Bill telling Grandpa That he was the last of the hand shakers. My dad thought to himself “Bull Durham”. (Which think means BS old in guy talk. )But my dad said that after getting to know uncle Bill , he believed that it was the truth.
We are in a pandemic of fatherless men . Or men with disengaged fathers . Pat ,Joe, Bob , Jim & Johns lives, families & careers are a testimony of what kind of Father Uncle Bill is.
I say “is” Because of his faith in God. Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the life . Whoever believes in me, Though he die , yet shall he live , and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.I believe Uncle Bill is now experiencing an amazing new reality in the presence of Almighty God .
“Things which Eye has not seen And ear has not heard , and which have not entered into the heart of man , all that God has prepared for those that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
My favourite uncle Bill memory is when we were all at Johnny Cash’s house for someone’s stag party. (AKA Tom Pulles’s house).I remember the basement being packed with cousins and friends and uncle Bill arm wrestling everybody in the corner. There was roaring and cheering. Definitely one of the funnest , loudest parties I’ve been to. I remember uncle Bill standing in the corner laughing with everything he had in him as he defeated everyone who stepped up to challenge him to an arm wrestle !
To quote Doc Hudson from the Disney movie “Cars”
Uncle Bill ,
you got a lotta stuff .
I am so sorry for your loss.
Uncle Bill is a legend !
May Yahweh bless you and keep you , Yahweh make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, Yahweh Lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
I am sorry that we will not be able to attend the funeral. We will be watching the live stream.
Sincerely ,Jim Whelan
