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William Kane Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Kane
Sponsored by The Kane Family.
Saundra and Marcus Robinson
January 7, 2007
JoAnne & Family,
We hope your memories will fill your hearts with joy, today and always.
We love you
Lou Fitzpatrick
January 6, 2007
Willy,
It's been a year since you left your loving family to join your heavenly family, your dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
My thoughts and prayers still go out to your sons, mom, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews and friends.
Love,
Lou Fitzpatrick
Mike Wilson
February 22, 2006
February 17, 2006
Parker and Chad:
I have been a PGA Golf Professional since 1972, and in the Tucson area since 1984.
I did watch, like many others, Willie come of age in this great game.
I can truly say that Willie has always, as an amateur and Professional, presented himself with the highest of respect for others in and out of the game of golf.
I will never forget his welcoming smile, one that seemed to always say "Hi, how did you enjoy the day?"
He was truly be interested in how he could make your life better, sometimes it took just a smile.
Willie was always a gentleman to me, and I will never forget that part of his personality.
I know you are very proud of your dad, and miss him very much.
Like many of us, you know how important he was to his family, the game of golf, and those of us who knew Willie Kane as a man who loved family, life, and golf to the fullest.
A true Professional in Life, Family, and Game.
I will miss seeing that smile, Willie made scores of days better for those who had the pleasure of his company.
My only regret is that I did not get to know Willie better, that was truly my loss.
I will always respect what Willie stood for.
Your dad was a good as they get!!
Thank you,
Mike Wilson, PGA,
Oro Valley Country Club, 1986-2003
Robert Moreno
February 13, 2006
What can I say about Willie that has not already been said. I had the privilege of knowing Willie for many years. It started as young competitors in Ricki Rarick junior golf, through high school and later in Section and Chapter events. There was always a very friendly bantering between the two of us between our respective high schools. Willie of course from SALPOINTE and myself from lowly Tucson High. Willie was always quick to dig about my great public school education and I was always quick to retaliate every time He would make a mistake in math or grammer. Which was often! I'd always hit him with,"must be that great Catholic education". It was always great to be around him and his sharp whit. I had the privilege to play with Willie this last summer in a Pro-Pro event as his partner. I got to learn a lot more about Willie and especially how much he loved his children, since we had to drive back and forth from Globe each day because he could not find someone to watch his dog. We spent hours talking about all the good times and the bad. I really feel blessed to have been able to spend this time with him. At the tournament, we showed up to the registration table and there were many people checking in and one of the guys asked Willie who he was playing with and he very calmly said, " I'm playing with Moreno, I'm doing my part to help out the minorities". Anyone who knew Willie understands his quick whit and sarcasm. I have many stories about Willie but this one always remains special to me. I will truly miss him and his humor. He was a very special person and we are all better off to have known him. God Bless you Willie and please watch over all of us.
Laura Stubbs
February 11, 2006
Who knows why the good die young?
Although I knew Willie a short time, he was undoubtedly one of the "GOOD".
He touched my heart.
Time has passed and I have been witness to the articles and beautiful testimonies of how incredible, genuine, witty, persevering and wonderous Willie was.
What I know, is that this man changed my world, and I will never be the same.
Willie brought me to the precipice of great love. I am honored to have been a part of his life, and in his heart. What a delight to have had his light brighten my world.
Thank you Willie for our brief time and our dreams.
To all of his friends and loved ones, know that I share the sorrow of his absence,
the treasure of his memory,
and the inspiration that he has left us all...
God Bless.
Kiernan & Lisa Mattson
January 27, 2006
Chad and Parker,
Your father was an incredible person. He opened up to everybody, myself included. Willie definately treated people with the respect he commanded. Willie was the consummate professional on and off the golf course. I will miss Willie's humor, seeing his name on the leader board and chatting with him at golf tournaments.
As tough as your loss is, rest assured your father touched many lives and left you with a big Tucson family you can always depend on.
I wish you the very best throughout your lives.
Pam Drake
January 21, 2006
Willie,
Thank you for being such a great friend and colleague. We fought many battles together and I will continue the fight knowing that you are still covering my back.
I so admired how much you lived life. Through all the ups and downs you always had a smile on your face. Parker and Chad always brought out the BIGGEST smile! I hope your boys will always know how much you loved them. The dreams you had for their futures including traveling the world, college, and successful careers. I hope I have the opportunity to see your dreams come true.
There is definately no replacing you and you will be sorely missed.
KK (Marner) Mendoza
January 19, 2006
What a blessing it was to be part of Willie's life. I am so thankful that we reconnected after so many years. He was such an awesome influence on my son and a great friend to me and to my best friend. Willie was the definition of a gentleman! I will miss him. My love and prayers are with Willie and his family and friends. - KK
Susan (Callahan) Kelly
January 17, 2006
To Mary Ellen & all the Kane family - My deepest sympathies on the loss of Willie. May you be comforted in your grief.
Sarah Frisbie Forsman
January 17, 2006
Dear Kane Family: What an incredibly grief-ridden time. I hurt for you and with you. While God gained an awesome angel, all of us who knew and loved Willie lost a vibrant, fun and dynamic "light" in our lives. Just knowing that we will be denied his presence for the rest of our earthly years is unbearable. While pictures and memories are great and we feel blessed to have them--I know they can't replace that engaging smile and that warm touch and the rye wit.
The "Kane clan" is amazingly strong and that coupled with your strong faith will guide you in this tragedy.
I love you all and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sarah
Kathy Grayson
January 17, 2006
Willie,
We will all miss your smile and your genuineness....may your children know how much they mean to you and how much you mean to us. Our golf family has lost one of the best...
Glen Griffith
January 16, 2006
Willie was an inspiring golf professional who touched many lives in different ways. I will mostly miss his competitive nature on the golf course, his dry sense of humor, and his genuine caring attitude towards all. My sympathy goes out to everyone touched by the loss of our great friend.
Eric Hoffman
January 16, 2006
What I will miss the most about Willie was his incredible wit. Spending time with Willie always made your day better. Whether he was my partner or fellow competitor (partner usually worked better for me) Willie made it fun. He knew how much it bothered me that he never wore socks, so he always said "I like those shoes. Can I try them on?" Willie was always the life of the party without being the center of attention.
Joe DelVecchio
January 15, 2006
Willie,
Thank you for the time you took to get to know me. On nights that I closed Randolph it seemed our conversations would start with something golf related but would always end talking about our kids.
While working at Canyon Ranch for John Bell in 2002 I was doing some research on golf instruction. John was taking lessons from Willie at the time and suggested I give Willie a call and chat about my ideas and get a few from him. I had met Willie a few years earlier and wasn't sure he would remember me at all. John gave me his number and I called, Willie answered and we talked for about 30 minutes before he had to go. I was very impressed and was a Willie fan from that moment on. Even then our talk ended with our families, he had a son going on two and I had a daughter going on one, we both wanted to get home to them.
Chad and Parker,
I don’t know how it must feel right now but as you grow and learn, wonder why things sometimes don’t seem fare and question what life is all about. Know this about your dad, he once had those questions, that were answered when each of you were born into his life. You are his life now, make him proud, God bless
Joe, Maria, Jenna, Cole
Charles Durrenberger
January 15, 2006
You should be very proud of what your father represented, not just to those who knew him, but those of us who only knew Willie by reputation.
I could only hope to have the kind of love when I shall leave this earth.
Wade Dunagan
January 15, 2006
I will always remember Willie for being a vibrant, real person. He was always there for his friends and family, and was one of the rare people you could call on no matter what.
He was passionate about his kids, his profession and his teaching, and golf in Tucson will never be the same.
None of us were ready to say good bye, and I will miss my friend.
Bill Brooks
January 14, 2006
I had the pleasure of working with your dad at Randolph during the mid 1990's and have played a few rounds of golf with him. His jest for life and competitive drive was very inspirational to all of his golf students and those he knew. Be proud that he was you dad, work hard, follow your dreams, as I know he would want you to do your best.
John Parker
January 14, 2006
Willie, you will forever be remembered as a great friend to so many that you touched through the game of golf. I am proud to say, I am one of those friends and I will always remember the smile on your face and the spring in your step. Your always gracious welcome that greeted me everytime I walked into Randolph. How fortunate I am to have known and enjoyed your friendship.
Marty Camacho
January 14, 2006
I feel very privileged to have known Willie. He was a force to be reckoned with on and off the golf course and can never be replaced. If there are golf courses in Heaven, I am certain Willie is busy giving lessons. God Bless.
Marty Camacho
DAN WICKMAN
January 14, 2006
Willie gave me my first golf instruction when I was 20 years old. When I became a PGA Golf Professional, a few years later, he encouraged me not to quit. Three years ago I moved back to Tucson and Willie was the first person I called and he helped me a lot.
I will miss the all the jokes (usually at my expense) and his really big smile. I don't think I can go to Randolph Golf Course and not think of Willie and playing golf with him.
There are many very talented and dedicated PGA Golf Professionals in Southern Arizona. In our PGA Chapter, Willie's death leaves a huge void. Willie was Mr. Tucson Golf to me.
Please accept my heart felt sympathy. I hope I have the opportunity of helping his sons in golf and in life, like Willie had done for me.
Michael Haywood
January 14, 2006
It is with a heavy heart that I must recall my fondest memories of Willie and his family. When I first came to Tucson in 1991 I was treated with the utmost respect and kindness from the family of Dr. Pete Parker, Willie's future Father-In-Law. I was privileged to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with their family and meeting Willie for the first time at dinner that year. I will always be thankful of how Willie and his future wife Pam and their family have treated myself and my wife Shelly. Always the gentlemen Willie knew that a kind word went so much further than a negative one. I believe that the single most important quality of Willie was respect not only for himslef but for others.
The second memory was how often I would receive phone calls from Willie during the various city golf events around Tucson with none other than a rules of golf question. The latest was during the 2005 City Women's Championship on the final day when I recieved a call at home regarding a player on the 17th hole at Dell Urich. I have to say I will truly miss those calls and the opporutnities to speak with him about the rules of golf.
They say that "it is through our children we achieve eternity", I am quite sure that through the eyes of Chad and Parker Willie has achieved that status.
The wishes of myself and Shelly go out to each of the famiies affected by this tragedy. I am truly convinced that the only reason why Wilie was taken so soon was that God had just the position waiting for him at a Golf Club in Heaven.
With Respect and Deep Sadness,
Michael & Shelly Haywood and the entire family of PGA Professionals within the Southwest Section PGA
Brian Coltrin
January 14, 2006
I remember Willie being the stud of Randolph South..."Mr 57". As a junior golfer growing up in Tucson, I always admired Willie's ability to play, to teach, and to mentor. I am glad I got to know you as a fellow professional. God bless you and your family.
Scott Reid
January 14, 2006
Willie,
You were one of the most well-like professionals in the Southwest Section and I'm honored to have considered you a friend. You will be greatly missed by all of the professionals in the Southwest Section as you touched many of our lives.
Kevin Lewis
January 14, 2006
Golf has lost a true gentleman. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Thomas Charland
January 14, 2006
January 10, 2006
As an employee of the City of Tucson, I am honored to have known
Willie. He was an outstanding human being. My memory is one example of
his golf professionalism. Willie offered my youngest son, Robert, a
golf internship at Randolph Golf Course while Robert was a university
student. Willie's assistance, as well as teachers and other golf
professionals helped Robert to become a PGA member. Robert is currently
the head professional at Corte Bella Golf Club in Sun City West,
Arizona. I will always appreciate Willie's professional guidance for my
youngest son.
Sincerely, Thomas Charland
Trev Anderson
January 14, 2006
I was a teammate of Willie's at the UofA. He was a fifth-year senior when I was a freshman. He had been an All Pac-10 player, and I was not a big name player, but he treated me with respect as a person. Willie almost always had a smile and a great sense of humor. The year that Willie won the Arizona Amateur, I played him in the quarterfinal round. We had a very good match, and he beat me in extra holes. I was disapointed to lose, but he was gracious in victory and it made it easier for me to lose to such a fine person. I saw Willie occasionally on the professional mini-tours, and one of the things about Willie was that he was pretty much the same guy whether he was leading the tournament or struggling to make the cut: always positive with something upbeat or humorous to say.
After I quit playing professionally, I have assisted with some charity golf tournaments. I asked Willie to help with some donations, and he would always respond with "let me know how I can help." He generally donated free lessons, which required more of his time and I appreciated that. He also went out of his way to let me know that he was happy to help and to call him anytime there was a charity event.
Willie's death was pretty hard to fathom. It hit me even more personally now that I have a child and that I also have a heart condition. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and his many friends.
Sincerely,
Trev Anderson
John Scolaro
January 13, 2006
Although I never knew Willie, I was running in the Disney 1/2 Marathon that morning and as a fellow runner I felt compelled to pay my respects to Willie, his family and his friends for his efforts in attempting to better his health for his children.
Willie knew he had to cross the finish line, so he did, and that will be his legacy for his children. He never gave up and his children will always be proud of him for crossing the finish line.
With deepest sympathy may God bless all of you;
John Scolaro
Leukemia/Lymphoma Society Team in Training participant
January 13, 2006
Michael Henderson
January 13, 2006
Willie - We were teammates on Gibson Cup teams and competed against each other in numerous tournaments, you were a great champion in all of our hearts. I will miss our time together on, and off, the golf course.
Your Friend...Hindu
Michael, Stacey, Sydney & Myles Henderson
Buzz & Amy Rinder
January 12, 2006
We are so saddened by the news of Willie's sudden passing. We didn't have the pleasure of knowing him very well, but are incredibly grateful to him for the influence he had on our brother. Willie was a great friend, inspiration, and many other things to Jeremy who he lovingly nicknamed "Dirty" (the name has stuck with him to this day!!). He was there for him in so many ways at different times throughout his life. We wanted to share our thoughts with Willie's family & let Parker & Chad know that their dad was a great man & will live on in all of our hearts forever.
DAN SMITH
January 12, 2006
Willie had a competitive spirit, quick wit and zest for life. He always made me elevate my golf game in order to have a chance to defeat him. I will miss the opportunity to tee it up with one of the best players I have had the privilege to know.
Smittyman
Marijane Morin
January 12, 2006
Dear MaryAnn and family: You are like an extension of my own family and I loved you all . Willie was special and I always see him rowing that crazy boat at flathead and laughing at all of us because he got the boat before the rest of you did. My other pic of him is swinging his golf club in my yard at age 4 to 7. He got to do what he loved best and that was play golf.We love you all and I lost a little piece of my heart when Will died. Marijane
Cyd Gomez
January 12, 2006
Dearest JoAnn & Kane Family-
As much as my heart aches for you, I believe there's a Master plan....Willy's on a brand new journey and smiling all the way!
Thoughts & Prayers & Love
Francis Fennie
January 12, 2006
The Fennie's will be thinking and praying for Willie, his family and all of the Kane's. We were really shocked and saddened to hear the news.
Mercedes (Darrah) Dahlquist
January 12, 2006
Dear Mary Anne and family -- I am so sorry to hear of Willie's untimely passing. What a great man and a wonderful friend to our family. I know I speak for all of the Dahlquist's in saying that Willie touched us all. He is a bright spot in our hearts and we will miss him greatly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Robert, Catherine (Bettin), Mercedes, Patricia (Harwood) and William Dahlquist
Marc Bralts
January 12, 2006
Willie and I crossed paths sporadically over the years. He always recognized me and his friendliness and positive demeanor were always the same. All that new him thought highly of his skill with people and his genuine kindness. The Tucson community is much better off for the time Willie spent as part of us.
Saundra and Marcus Robinson
January 11, 2006
To my dear friend JoAnne & family,
We never had the pleasure of knowing Willie, but through the words and memories of his friends and family, we know how special he is. Yes, we speak in the present because he will live on your heart and memory, in the smiles of his sons and the golf game of his students. Willie died doing something that he loved, and he will now join a very special list of people I run for. We pray that you find strength and love, in family, friends and your faith. We love you.
Melissa Morin
January 11, 2006
Willy and I spent time together in our early years in Butte. We had two things in common, we were both babies of the family, and we loved to run. I plan on running the Portland, Maine marathon on October 1st in memory of Willy. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Christie Kane
January 11, 2006
Willie, we will miss your smile and your wit. Sleep well and hit it straight!! Love, Michaela, Billy, Logan and Mackenzie Kane
Chad, Jeanne Anne, Willie, & Parker at Randolph range
January 11, 2006
Lou Fitzpatrick
January 11, 2006
Dear Aunt Mary Anne, Mo, Pat, Mary Ellen, Mike and Chrissy, Pam,Chad and Parker, all of the Fitzpatricks send you our prayers and deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear Willie. His twinkling blue eyes and wide smile will be in our memories forever. God love him!
We wish we could be with you at this very difficult time.
Love,
Lou
Chris Fennie & Family
January 11, 2006
We'll miss your smile and sense of humor and we'll remember you in our prayers.
Patsy Kane Sullivan
January 11, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Such an amazing young man and I know you were all so very proud of him. He is making his Dad and Gramma Fritz laugh now. Take comfort from your memories. Love you - Patsy
Rene Salazar
January 11, 2006
Our hearts and prayers go out to Willie's family. You will be sadly missed by everyone.
Robert and Anita Smith
January 11, 2006
My heart pains for all of you during this time when God called this wonderful man home. You are such a powerful family, may you find strength and faith with each other. Let the good of Willie's life bring a smile to your hearts.
Carolyn McConnell
January 11, 2006
My condolences to the Kane Family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Reese
January 11, 2006
With deepest sympathy and sadness
Michelle R. Reese (Lorenzini)
Shelley Thompson
January 11, 2006
I only knew Willie for a very short time, but he was a great guy and a wonderful father. He will be greatly missed.
Moe Kane
January 11, 2006
Thank you all for your kind words.
If you have any stories about your association with Willie, we'd like you to send them on to us, so we can let his boys know who he was.
Tim, Susan and Anna Kanold
January 11, 2006
As friends of the family, we'd like them to know we love them and are thinking of them at this very hard time.
Tim, Susan and Anna
Joan Ferguson
January 11, 2006
I along with Bob send our prayers to the family.
Jane Egan Noble
January 11, 2006
My heart goes out to Willie's family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bill and Anne Thomasmeyer
January 11, 2006
Bill and I send our love and prayers - Anne
Rick Colt
January 11, 2006
A great friend who made learning golf so enjoyable.
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