August 24, 1943 - October 13, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Bill Lekich was born in Dawson City, Yukon on August 24th 1943 and passed away suddenly on October 13th 2023, in Port Alberni BC.
Bill spent his formative years in Vancouver, where he attended King Edward High School, and graduated from UBC with a degree in History and Economics in 1965. After graduation, Bill moved to Port Alberni where he worked for 30+ years as a teacher at ADSS - teaching social studies, economics, history and law. He truly enjoyed his career as an educator, and developed friendships with his coworkers who he counted as his best friends.
In addition to working with students, he enjoyed his lunchtime walking group and the ongoing Friday afternoon basketball game. He remained active throughout his life, coaching minor baseball, curling for many years and was a long-time member of the Alberni Golf Club.
While working, he also managed to find time to travel- Disneyland, Las Vegas, Hornby Island, Tofino and France were some of the highlights. When Bill retired from teaching in June 1999, both he and Katy could spend more time traveling with family and friends - Las Vegas, Arizona, and Tofino being some of his favorite places.
Between golf, travelling, and spending time with his family (especially his grandchildren) Bill also found time in his retirement to give back to the community that was his home, he volunteered with the Heritage Commission and taught courses on 20th century history at Elder college for many years.
Bill is survived by Katy, his wife of 54 years, children Lizabeth (Dennis) and Peter (Jolanta), five grandchildren (Sophia, Carmen, Magdalena, Dawson, and Francesca), four siblings Vera (Alan), Liz, Janet and John, and his many nieces and nephews.
Bill was predeceased by his sister Danica and his brother-in-law Jesper.
There will be a celebration of life held on Saturday November 18th at the Alberni Golf Course.
Donations in memory of Bill can be made to the Alberni Hospital Foundation. Thank you all for your love, support and comfort during this difficult time.