Bill Kane

Captain Bill Kane, of Monroe, passed away February 15, 2024. Beloved husband of Sheryl Kane. Loving dad to Katie (Pete) and Bill (Callie). Proud papa of Aila, Estella, Evie, Jakoby, Lucy and Will. Dear step father of Rachelle (Mike), Briana (Nate), Kolita, and Aubrey (Jodi). Step grandfather of Brayden, Jace, Tristan, Avery, Gunnar and Contessa.

The world lost a legend last week. On Thursday, February 15, “Captain” Bill Kane passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Bill lived an extraordinary life accomplishing enough for 5 lifetimes. He never took the easy way out, always choosing the more challenging path in order to learn and improve his understanding. His love for music, his golden glove boxer status, and the “occasional street race” only scratch the surface of who this incredible man was. A real-life Lone Ranger, he grew up in Plymouth, MI. There he began his righteous journey to help others and make the world a better place. Although he may have made an enemy or two and bent the rules along the way, he always fought for what was right. He would heroically defend his friends and family but would “take your number” if you did them wrong.

He was a serious hockey player and runner, competing throughout his youth and college years. He ran track at both Western University and Hillsdale College and played hockey at a highly competitive level in his teens, 20s and 30s.

Bill was a scholar studying at Oxford University in England and went on to become a social studies teacher, even co-authoring a book about political science which was his passion. After discovering that he was not a candidate for Vietnam, he knew that he was being called for something else great, and despite being offered jobs in the suburbs, he decided to dedicate his career to helping shape the future of America by accepting a position with Detroit Public Schools where he taught for over 30 years.

From owning alligators to being a Captain on the great lakes to his “almost” unbelievable stories, Bill was a wild and kind spirit who will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.

They say coming full circle signifies a return to the beginning after a long journey, often with newfound wisdom and a cycle of growth, suggesting a completed voyage. It seems only fitting that Bill passed away on his 77th birthday, truly coming full circle with a wealth of wisdom and a heart of gold, completing his journey, sooner than loved ones would have liked, but like everything else in his life, in his own way.

A memorial gathering will be held at The Clam Digger, 1540 E Elm Ave, Monroe, MI 48162 on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 4:00 until 7:00 pm.