William D. Leech

The family and friends of William D. Leech, a long-time resident of Fountain Hills, will honor his passing with a Mass and celebration of life in Walnut Creek, Calif.

William, better known as Bill, died on Jan. 14, 2016 from respiratory failure at the age of 70.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy (Margaret Brajkovich); daughter, Sarah Leech and son, Thomas Leech; granddaughter, Isobell Leech and a sister, Karen Mansene and her children, Aubrey Mansene and Lauren LaMarche (James).

He was a devoted family man, a true professional in his career, and superior friend to many. He will be greatly and dearly missed.

Bill was raised in Northern California, graduated high school in Novato, Calif. and went on to the University of Nevada, Reno, where he earned his B.S. in Mining and Metallurgy.

Following his graduation, Bill was accepted into the United States Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I. where, upon his NROTC commission, he served aboard the USS Canberra and the USS Belknap during the Vietnam War as damage control officer.

The career path Bill chose in mining engineering and tunneling support took him and his wife, Peggy, to many far off locales with Bill, and often times Peggy, spending extended stays in such countries as Peru (where their son Tom was born), Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Canada, Taiwan and various locations in the United States.

Both he and Peggy loved adventurous travel and had finally lived a life-long dream together of a safari in Africa just prior to the illness that took Bill’s life.

Upon retiring from his profession, he and Peggy moved to Tubac, Ariz. where they enjoyed the relaxed life and friendships of that small artist community.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in William Leech’s name to the Anne Carlsen Center for children with disabilities in Jamestown, N.D. on behalf of his daughter, Sarah.

A remembrance luncheon will be at the Fountain Hills Eagle Mountain Golf Club, Wednesday Feb. 24, for invitees and a Catholic Mass and Celebration of Life in Walnut Creek, Calif., Saturday, March 19.