Jean Antoine Bance's Obituary
Jean Antoine Bance was born in Miragoâne, Haiti on March 12, 1932 and passed away on December 25, 2012.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jules Bance and Augusta Boucicaut, as well as his brothers André Bance and Gérard Bance.
Jean is survived by his wife, Ginette Bance (Arty) whom he married on December 21, 1961. He is also survived by his four children: Sandra Bance, Jean B. (Lysberthe) Bance, Martine (Greg) Cadichon, and Patrick Bance; his grandchildren: Jordan, Jade, Taylor, Carli, and Drew; his sister Marie Thérèse Bance Raoul and brother Georges (Marlène) Bance; his nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.
Jean had a rewarding career as an engineer. He received his degree in Civil Engineering in 1957 from the Polytechnical Institute of Haiti. From 1957 to 1961 he was employed by the Derot Haitian Society of Construction and was involved in all phases of residential construction. In 1961, Jean moved to Zaire, Africa to work for UNESCO (an international humanitarian non-profit organization) where he was a science and math teacher and engineering consultant for the Public Works Department. In 1965, Jean relocated to the United States and started as a draftsman for IBG International in Wheeling, IL. Over the course of 25 years, he received several promotions, ending his career with IBG in 1990 as Corporate Chief Structural Engineer. He was the only IBG employee to ever obtain this title. After his time at IBG, Jean stayed active as a consultant on various engineering projects.
As an engineer, Jean had many accomplishments and accolades. He was an inventor who was issued two patents from the United States and one patent from the United Kingdom.
• United States Patent for Building Dome Structure (1976)
• United States Patent for Space Frame Construction System (1980)
• United Kingdom Patent for Tube-and-Ball Truss Systems (1982)
Several structures were built in the United States and abroad (e.g. Europe and Asia) utilizing his designs. Additionally, Jean was granted a Copyright on External Wind Pressure Coefficients for Domes, which relates to the wind’s impact on a dome’s structural integrity.
Jean was also one of the founders of Choucoune Enterprises, Inc. , a Caribbean beverage company.
Jean was a loving father and devoted husband who appreciated time with his family and friends. In 1996, he and Ginette relocated to Deltona, FL, where he could retire and be near his sister and brother.
He enjoyed home renovation projects and listening to music. He was also fluent in French, Creole, English, and some Spanish.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association. The following are 3 ways one can donate:
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Go to www.alz.org, click on "make a donation" tab on the right hand side. That will then prompt you to click on the "Find a Tribute" link as you scroll down. Afterwards, type "Bance" in "search for" section, then click on the "Find a Fund" tab. At which point, one can enter all their information and make the donation.
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Call the AA 24/7 phone number at 800-272-3900.
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Mail a check to:
Alzheimer's Association
P.O. Box 96011
Washington D.C. 20090-6011
When making a donation, please reference Jean A. Bance and his son, Patrick Bance. Patrick's address is:
4252 Coral Berry Path #201
Gurnee, IL 60031
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