William Erwin Rance

RANCE William Erwin Rance, 85, of Upper Arlington, Ohio, passed away on June 17, 2010 at The Ross Heart Hospital at The Ohio State University Medical Center. Bill, as he was known, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio to William A. and Hazel V. Rance. He is survived by his wife, Rosemary, to whom he was married for 52 years; and his son, Brian D. Rance, of New York, New York; his two daughters, Susan L. Gliatis and Carol R. Ryan, both of Columbus, Ohio and their respective spouses, Melinda, Nick and Joe; together with five grandchildren, Will, Patricia and Tom Ryan, Rosie Gliatis and William Rance. He was preceded in death by his brother John E. Rance, of Salem, Ohio. Bill grew up in Salem and graduated from high school there. He received an undergraduate degree from Virginia Military Institute (Class of 1946), with his college days being interrupted by the Second World War. During the war, he served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and attended officers' training at both Quantico, Virginia and Cornell University. The war in the Pacific ended as he was preparing for the invasion of Japan. After the war, he enrolled in The College of Law at The Ohio State University and graduated with the Class of 1951. He entered private practice and appeared regularly before The Interstate Commerce Commission. After working as corporate counsel for Eastern Motor Dispatch (which was subsequently purchased by Interstate Motor Lines), he joined Theodore Boehm to found a firm which ultimately become Rance Pritchett Brantner Keller & Ely. Bill was a hard-working and devoted servant of many appreciative clients. Like many Columbus residents, Bill was an avid Ohio State fan. He attended every home OSU football game from 1948 through the end of last season, and also followed OSU basketball and baseball. He enjoyed fishing, making several trips each summer to the wilderness of Canada. Bill loved reading and focused on historical books (particularly military history) and biographies. He was a leader in the preservation of Northam Park in Upper Arlington, and he convinced the city to build its new municipal center in an alternate location. Bill actively supported VMI and Ohio State, as well as several charities. Calling hours are scheduled for Thursday, June 24, from 1-4 p.m., at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road in Upper Arlington. A Celebration of Bill's life will follow from 5-10 p.m., Thursday at The Klevay Gallery at THE LONGABERGER ALUMNI HOUSE, 2200 Olentangy River Road, which is located next to the Fawcett Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made on Bill's behalf to Ross Heart Hospital Nursing Development Fund (Fund Number 313274), Ohio State Medical Center Development, 660 Ackerman Road, P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, Ohio 43218, Attn: Wendy O'Brien. Condolences to the family may be expressed through Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, Columbus, Ohio 43221 or by visiting www.schoedinger.com.