William Cornett Dorrance

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California Polytechnic State University

William Dorrance Obituary

William (Billy) Cornett Dorrance

August 28, 2016

Hollister

William (Billy) Cornett Dorrance, 63, of Hollister, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 28, 2016, with his loving wife Jeanne by his side.

Billy was the son of Bill and Marie Cornett Dorrance and was raised on the family cattle ranch on Mt. Toro, overlooking the Salinas Valley. Billy graduated from Salinas High School where he, his twin brother Dave, and his younger brother Steve were all very active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America. He later attended Hartnell College and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo before moving to Hollister to try his hand at farming with his brother Dave. Billy and Dave farmed hay on Shore Road for more than 25 years, while continuing to be involved with the cattle ranch on Mt. Toro.

Billy enjoyed riding, roping, and working the cattle on the Mt. Toro Ranch. He looked forward to deer season every year and never missed getting his buck. He volunteered for 43 years as a committee member at the California Rodeo Salinas and enjoyed attending the San Benito County Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo in Hollister.

When Billy met Jeanne Wilde in 1998, her friends told him to run, but bachelor Billy ran slow enough so she could catch him. They married by the Monterey Bay in 2002. They enjoyed riding, traveling, attending family functions together, and loved just being at home with their horses, dogs and alpacas (ok, so he wasn't crazy about the alpacas - it was a stretch for a cattleman).

Billy is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his brother, Dave; Dave and Suzanne's daughter, Mei Mei; his brother, Steve; his sister-in-law, Leslie, their children, Drew, Clifton, and Mollie, and by numerous extended family members.

He will be greatly missed by everyone that had the chance to know him and will be remembered for his kind way, detailed stories, and distinctive laugh.

A Celebration of Billy's life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. Please email [email protected] or contact the Dorrance Family for details.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salinas Californian from Sep. 9 to Sep. 17, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for William Dorrance

12 Entries

Janet Struve Pampuro

September 3, 2022

Bill is gone but not forgotten.

Janet Struve Pampuro

September 3, 2021

Sincere condolences to the Dorrance family and sweet memories of William Dorrance.

Kristi Dillingham Coffman

September 5, 2020

Janet Struve posted this obit from 2016 on her Facebook page. So many of his SHS classmates didn’t even know he was gone. I remember him as a sweet stand up guy. To know that he is gone so soon is very sad.

John Rivers

September 3, 2020

Hope you're at peace my friend.

Janet Struve Pampuro

September 3, 2020

A truly nice guy and dearly missed.

Jim Riley

September 23, 2016

My Sincere Feelings & Thoughts to the Entire Dorrance Family ! I met Billy when I was his & Dave's "Bussie" driving them to Salinas High, and thru them, I also met Steve & Family. Billy was always such a "Wonderful Moment" when we would "meet-up" ! Billy, May You Have A "Good Journey" and someday we will meet again in the "Bye & Bye" !

Jim Riley

September 23, 2016

My Sincere Feelings to the entire Dorrance Family ! Billy was always a "Friendly Moment" whenever we would meet up ! I met Billy & Dave when I drove their Salinas High school bus as their "Bussie". We developed a Sincere Friendship, which later included Steve & Family. Rest Peacefully My Friend, and we will "Meet In The Bye & Bye" In The Future !

Kathleen Manning

September 15, 2016

My heartfelt condolences to the whole Dorrance family. His father and my grandfather were great friends and my first memories were playing with the boys at various functions.

Billy was a good hand and person, which is the highest compliment that can be given a cowboy.

He will be missed terribly by everyone. Gone way too soon. I am so sorry.

Janet Struve Pampuro

September 10, 2016

My sincere condolences to Bill's family. Happy trails Bill.

Our arrival to Yosemite 'selfie'

Tonia Sunseri

September 10, 2016

Only got to know Billy recently while vacationing with him and his wife Jeannie last summer. He had such amazing and interesting true life experiences he shared along the way. We told him he needed to record them, write a book! I hope he did! He has had an amazing full life! He is the most patient and kind man I think I have ever met. Already earned those wings a long time ago. So happy for his new found adventures, but he will be profoundly missed by those of us left behind here without his graciousness and greatness..". Tonia and Gary Sunseri

Skeeter Garcia Innocenti

September 9, 2016

I remember Bill Sr. bring these little twin boys into my dad shop (Garcia Sadderly) many times and they would run around the store like crazy. My prayers are with your family.

John Rivers

September 9, 2016

Bill was a good man and will be dearly missed. My heart goes out to his twin Dave and to the rest of his family. I grew up with Bill attending the same schools and living close by. I remember Bill every winter when snow would fall on Mt. Toro. He or Dave would park at their ranch gate to keep people from trespassing on their property to reach the freshly fallen snow. It was amazing how calm they both were in refusing people access. Always polite and friendly, Bill will RIP. John Rivers

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