WILLIAM H. LEACH
WESTFORD — William Howard Leach, 69, of Westford died May 3, 2007, in the Vermont Respite House in Williston after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He was born in St. Albans on July 27, 1937, the youngest of six children. After graduating from Cathedral High School in 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He then attended the University of Vermont where he served as president of ATO fraternity and graduated with a degree in accounting in 1964. Bill married Janice Wightman on Aug. 29, 1964. His career began as an accountant for Mobil Oil Co., then for the public accounting firm of Arthur Young, and also as the financial controller for McKenzie's. As a true entrepreneur, he then bought and ran the Cambridge General Store for 10 years with his wife and four sons. He spent the last 20 years as an agent for New York Life, serving as both advisor and trusted friend to his clients. He was a pillar of strength to his family and community. He served as an alderman for the City of Burlington for three years, and relocated to Westford where he served as a selectman for 21 years. He was a member of the board of the Chittenden Solid Waste District for 16 years, serving 12 of those as the chairman. His leadership, commitment and sense of civic responsibility will be truly missed. Known for his quiet strength, firm resolve and problem solving, Bill could always be counted on for his honesty, integrity and practical advice on many fronts. As a rock to his family, he was consistent, resourceful and generous. His sense of humor and positive attitude was ever present-in the community, with his family, and in business. As someone who was always on the move, he had a strong connection to nature and the outdoors. He especially enjoyed spending time at camp on Fairfield Pond, with his family and 11 grandkids, practicing the finer points of sailing and campfire gatherings. He is survived by his wife, Janice, of 43 years, of Westford; and four sons and their families: Guy and Dianna Leach and children Aubrey, Annike, Spencer, Emma and Sydney of Warner N.H.; Andrew and Judith Leach and their children Nate, Jack and Megan of Jericho; Scott and Dianne Leach and their newborn son Henry of Fairfax; and Todd and Jennifer Leach and their daughters Grace and Kate of Jericho. Bill is also survived by two brothers and two sisters: Edward and Mary Jo Leach of Dayton, Ohio, Bernard and Jacqueline Leach of Orville, Ohio, Marion and Emile Santerre of Winooski and June and Sandford Atherton of Grand Isle. He was predeceased by his parents, Guy Howard Leach and Mary Kathleen McKenzie Leach; and his sister Elizabeth Robistow. Services include a visitation at the Ready Funeral Home, Mountain View Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Drive, Essex Junction, on Sunday, May 6, from 2 to 6 p.m. A memorial service will be held Monday, May 7, at 11 a.m. in Essex Alliance Church with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Vermont Cancer Center, E213 Given Building, 89 Beaumont Ave., Burlington, VT 05405. Arrangements are in the care of the Ready Funeral & Cremation Services, Mountain View Chapel, 68 Pinecrest Drive, Essex Junction. For directions or to send online condolences please visit
http://www.funeralplan2.com/readyfuneral/[/b]
