William Francis Doran (October 29, 1935 – February 26, 2021)

Bill (aka Richard, Dick, Kato) died. The gates of the pasture slowly closed.

He is survived by his partner and wife, Dana, of 45 plus years.  His four kids Dawn, Barb (Rod), Bill (Tara) and Beth (Michael) and by sisters Helen, Jeannie, and Barbara.  He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Tyler (Pam), Thomas (Ashley), Jade (Dave), Joshua, Ava, Walker, Jacy, Paisley, Russell & Clinton.  Bill was predeceased by his parents Gertrude and William, brother Basil, sisters Bernice, Rosemary, and Lorraine.  He will reunite with his ill-trained dogs Bruin, Bear, Lacey and Molly.

Bill was a Master Salesman for Chrysler Canada and was presented with the award by Lee Iacocca. After leaving Browne Motors he owned and operated a number of gas stations in Prince Albert.  He loved spending summers at his cottage in Newfoundland where he was born, countless fishing trips to the camps at Missi and Deception Lake and around his fire pit at Peter Pond where he held court as a champion storyteller. He was as quick with his wit as he was to pour a drink for his friends including Mrs. Cabbage, Numbnuts, Walter, Scragg, Angus and Dork and they always obliged his “one for the ditch”.

His fishing guide skills were lacking.  In the countless times he’d manage to get us lost on the lake he’d distract us by telling the same story we’d heard 3,000 times before, each time with more embellishment.  “Did I ever tell you about the time…”

Without Bill we will need to learn to close our own cupboard doors, turn off the lights after we leave the room, close the doors without slamming them and properly clean the windows.  We will never forget that his whisky was with 3 ice cubes “not 2, not 4, it’s 3”. We will miss his shore lunches and his legendary Prime Rib.

At the age of 85, Bill finally made it to University where students will learn and study the medical marvel that was Bill Doran.

A special thanks to our Peter Pond family for all their kindness and support – meals delivered and shoulders to cry on.   Also to the many friends for the phone calls, video messages, cards and flowers. Thanks to the PA Home Care Palliative Team for their professionalism and support in the brief time he was ill.

For those that wish to make a donation in Bill’s memory, please send to Rose Garden Hospice www.canadahelps.org and by mail P.O. Box 2092, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5R3 or Ronald McDonald House Family Room www.rmh.sk.ca

• Date : 2021-02-26