Obituary of William Chris LEASK

May 1, 1958 – Flin Flon, Manitoba
June 15, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Bill Leask of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2020 at the age of 62 years.

Bill was born in Flin Flon, MB on May 1, 1958. He moved to Calgary, AB in 1973 with his mother and father, three sisters and two brothers.

Bill met Cindy in 1975 and their young love story began while working at Kmart. They truly were soul mates, and married shortly after on May 14, 1977. Their two beautiful children, Chad and Carlie, came a few years later and Bill embraced fatherhood fully. Bill was a dedicated husband and father and treasured every moment with his family. He and Cindy recently celebrated their forty-third wedding anniversary. 

Bill was a distinguished dual ticketed tradesman. He joined the City of Calgary in 1988 in Fleet Services, and retired in 2013 after 25 years of public service. 

Retirement kicked off with a memorable trip to Costa Rica and the birth of his first two grandchildren, Aubrey and Lowin, just 3 weeks apart. He especially loved being a grandpa and his love for his grandchildren was undeniable – they were the apples of his eye and held a special place in his heart. Their third grandchild, Finley was born two years later and they spent most of their time travelling between Calgary and Edmonton building memories with both families and taking on new adventures.

Bill had many passions including fly fishing, wood working, hiking and running. Summers were spent camping and fishing on Alberta rivers with his family. The thrill of exploration and trying to land “the next big hog” were always top of mind! His proudest wood working projects were for his beloved grandchildren. 

Bill was very goal oriented and dedicated when he had his mind set on accomplishing something. He was particularly proud of achieving a black belt in karate and he also ran his first half marathon in 2017 with his daughter, Carlie. He was a volunteer with the YMCA for a number of years which aligned well with his dedication to personal health and wellness. 

He will be most remembered for his love and commitment as a husband, father and grandfather and his positive and realistic outlook on life. You’d often hear him say “it is what it is”, exemplifying his easygoing nature - he took each day as it came and focused on what mattered. 

Besides his loving wife Cindy, Bill is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Carlie and Mike McDonald; son and daughter-in-law, Chad Leask and Moon Kyung Kim; three grandchildren, Aubrey, Lowin and Finley; and two grand puppies, Bowie and Rusty. Bill is also survived by his brother, Don, and three sisters Katherine, Jenna and Linda; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Bill was predeceased by his father William, mother Martha and brother Bernie.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Bill’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, www.llscanada.org.

In living memory of Bill Leask, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.