William Thomas Lorenzen

William (Bill) Lorenzen passed away on February 2 after a very brief stay in Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. He was active and in quite good health until a recent decline in mobility led to heart complications. With much assistance from loved ones, he was able to remain in the home he built. Bill reposed peacefully with family at his side.

Born August 24, 1933 in Regina, Saskatchewan to Henry and Winnie Lorenzen, he developed an early love for athletics including swimming and weight training, spending many days at the local YMCA. After high school Bill travelled by ship to the Caribbean and England, igniting a passion for sailing and a dream of living on a boat. (Those who have visited his home know the “ark” he built well as the 57 foot ferro cement hull remains a local landmark). After returning to Canada he decided to pursue a degree in education. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta, during which he met his future wife Janice while she was completing her nursing programme. They married in 1959. Later he completed a Master's of Education at UBC.

Bill began teaching high school land soon had an opportunity to move to Jamaica where he and Janice lived for several years during which time Lilieth was born. They returned to Canada and after a year teaching in Nova Scotia and then Vancouver they settled in Lantzville in the late 1960s. Bill and Janice purchased five acres of forested land on which he built the family home in 1970. Bill taught Physical Education and served as a guidance counsellor at Woodlands Secondary School from the 1970s until his retirement. Over these years many trips were made to Janice's parent's farm in Hyas, Saskatchewan as well as trips to China, Turkey and Hawaii. Bill was a founding member of the Mid Island Vintage Tractor and Equipment Club, serving as Treasurer until recently. He leaves behind a large tractor collection with vintages machines he loved to restore and operate. In later years Bill enjoyed telling stories of his early life in Saskatchewan and his experiences in Jamaica. Most recently he decided to take on the technological challenges that Apple products have to offer and sometimes was successful !

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Winnie Lorenzen of Regina, SK, his wife Janice of Hyas SK, brother Henry, and sisters Lillian and Betty. He is survived by his children, Lilieth and Hanz, grandchildren Yelaina (Curtis), Tessa, Devon, Sheldon and Daniel and two great grand children. He will be greatly missed by his extended family and friends.

Bill's children Lilieth and Hanz wish to acknowledge and deeply thank the following people who provided so much assistance in his last few years, without which he could not have remained in his home: Ian Burvill and Iona Belous (brother and sister In-law), dear friends Monica and Oly Morosan, Ray and Mary Alyward and Bjorn and Janice Kjaer. We would also like to thank the long-time residents near Lorenzen Lane who kept an eye on Bill and his dogs.

Bill will be remembered for his unique sense of humor, love of family and generosity. His two Border Collies were valued companions and provided him much comfort.

At Bill's request there will be no funeral service. However in honouring his memory we ask that you keep him and Janice in your prayers. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the SPCA.