Lance Bruce Oatman

Lance Charles Bruce Oatman, 69, of Hansen, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2013, near Colfax, Iowa. Lance was born on May 2, 1944, in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, and moving to London, Ontario, as a child. Lance attended schools in London until joining the Royal Canadian Navy from 1963 until 1966. He also trained in the Canadian Army Militia temporarily in 1962. After his service, he worked with his father at Canadian National Railroad for three years. In April 1969 he traveled to the States to San Francisco and after a few weeks, headed to Idaho where he worked briefly on a ranch, at Simplot's in Rupert, then moved to Twin falls where he worked for Independent Meat as a truck driver. After seven years with Falls Brand, he moved to other trucking companies, traveling 48 states and several provinces of Canada. Trucking was his life and he excelled at his work, winning many awards. In 1994 he served as a "trucker buddy" to students in the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind to help them learn geography and part of the United States, writing letters and visiting the school with his truck. In 1971 he met the love of his life, Linda Milligan, and they were married on November 5, 1971, in Elko. In 1976 they joined the Fraternal Order of Eagles when a brand new chapter begun in Twin Falls, Idaho. They served the organization in many ways until 1986. Lance loved to hunt and fish for many years. In later years, he preferred watching the animals and went fishing with his son as often as possible. His children were his pride and joy: Becky and Chris Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Linda; his daughter, Rebecca Sue, Buhl, Idaho, and Christopher Lance, Hansen, Idaho and sister, Carole Dawtrey -London, Ontario, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Lance was preceded into death by his father Bruce Charles Frank Oatman and mother Verean Milded Abbott. A funeral service is planned for 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 16, at Parke's Funeral Home in Twin Falls. Inurnment will be at Sunset Memorial Park. Those who wish to share memories and condolence may do so at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com.