William “Bill” James Leslie, lifelong resident of Grande Prairie, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the age of 87 years.

Bill was active in the community as a business man, running the BA Gas Bulk Station, Leslie’s Autocourt, IGA, and Leslie’s Travel Agency. He served on the Public School Board for over twenty years, and was an active member of the Kinsmen Club, the Shriners, and the Masons.

Bill thoroughly enjoyed his weekends golfing with his friends at Pipestone Creek and his morning coffee with all his buddies. He also loved to travel and to cook. Over the last few years, he loved to keep track of the antics of his grandchildren.

Bill will be sadly missed by his children and their families: Ellen (Kevin) Husselby, Marj (Jim) Carr, and Bob (Maureen) Leslie; grandchildren: Terry, Craig, David, Daniel, Kathryn, and Robert; special friend Elizabeth Griffith; sister Marion Podritske; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife Jean, parents Edward and Dorothy Leslie, and brothers Ken and Tom.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at 11:00am, at the Paradise Inn Rotary Room (11201 100 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB). Lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Alberta Cancer Foundation (710, 10123 99 St. Edmonton, AB, T5J 3H1), or to Grande Prairie Hospice Palliative Care Society (Box 21215, Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 6W7).