Obituary of William Ernest Marshall Leech

Nov. 13, 1936 – April 21, 2012 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Bill. Predeceased by his son Dana in 2005 and his brother Larry in 1992. Survived by Barbara, his loving wife of nearly 54 years, his daughters, Shelly & Lynda (Brian), his grandchildren Jamie (Mike), Jeff, Lindsay, Colten & Michael. His brothers Gordon, Ron(Janice), Raymond,Wayne (Joy) and his sister Donna (Casey). Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, team-mates, colleagues & friends. Bill was born in Glenavon, Saskatchewan and was the 4th son of Albert & Jean Leech. His family settled in Hammond in 1950. He attended Maple Ridge highschool where he met his sweetheart Barbara whom he married in 1958. Early in his career Bill worked at the Maple Ridge Hotel, the Hammond Mill, C.P. Transport, Joe’s Garage before settling in for many years with Fraser River Pile & Dredge until a workplace accident forced him into early retirement in 1993. Still, he loved to tend to his garden and was always the first person to volunteer when a friend, neighbor or family member needed help. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Legion Branch 88 where he enjoyed the Saturday meat draws and having a beer with friends. Bill was an avid sports fan and loved the Lions, the Canucks & The Blue Jays. He was also a lifetime member of the Golden Ears Curling Club & still played in the Masters League on Mondays and Wednesdays. As he was usually the first to arrive at the rink he took it upon himself to have the coffee ready for the curlers and as such the coffee shop was affectionately named “Billy’s Coffee Shop”. Celebration of Life to be held at Burnett Fellowship Baptist Church, 20639 – 123rd Ave, Maple Ridge at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 27th. We encourage anyone who wishes to share stories or memories of Bill to do so at the service. A private family interment will be held prior to the Celebration of Life. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation will be graciously accepted.