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Dunkle, a past Sanilac County News Bowler of the Year, passed away recently, suffering a heart attack in Reno, Nevada where he was competing in the USBC Open Championships.

After being away from bowling for several years, Dunkle, who lived in Fort Gratiot, competed in a league a Kautz Shore Lanes in 1994 and qualified there for the Bowler of the Year Tournament, which he went on to win in impressive fashion. Although he did not bowl in a league in Sanilac County after that season, Dunkle returned frequently to compete in the event with his qualifying exemption as a past champion.

While his bowling achievements were many, Dunkle was also known as a caring individual. Brian Fazio, who is now an insurance agent in Croswell, met Dunkle through bowling and the two became close friends.

"Bill was a very close friend of mine," said Fazio. "He helped start me out in the insurance business. I'm fortunateÉ.we all touch each other in some ways - I wouldn't be where I am today if he hadn't helped me."

Dunkle, 60, was very well known in the Port Huron Bowling Association. He was the first male to roll an 800 series in the association and went on to record four 800 series and seven 300 games. In 2005, he finished the season with 237 average, the second highest of all-time in the PHBA.

Fazio, who had recently bowled with Dunkle in the 4-House Doubles Tournament, said there was no steadier bowler around than Dunkle. "He was a great stroker. There's old school and new school, and Bill was very smooth, very consistent. The way he would win was by throwing repeating shots - that's old school, and it still works."

Bowling, though, was secondary. Fazio explained, "Bill was a better person than a bowler. He was someone you could count on for guidance and help."