Search by Name

Search by Name

William LIEBENBERG Obituary

LIEBENBERG, William Henry March 1, 1955 - July 25, 2015 William Henry Liebenberg and his six year old daughter Madelynne "Maddy" Melvin Liebenberg were lost to the sea in Howe Sound, on Saturday July 25th. William was loved by his family, friends and patients. William grew up in South Africa, moved to West Vancouver in 1993 and established a very successful dental practice, Westview Dental Clinic, in 1994. He was a recognized expert in his field of dentistry and he lectured globally. His five daughters and family were central to his life and he was a passionate and loving father. He loved the outdoors and had many sporting interests. William was an avid cyclist competing yearly in the Nimby Fifty, Test of Metal and Whistler Gran Fondo. He had incredible strength and determination. He enjoyed world travel, loved reading and a wide variety of music as well as painting, practising yoga, taking photographs and woodworking. William enormously enriched and enhanced the lives of the many people he loved and knew. He expressed a zest for life and was always starting a new project while living each day to the fullest. We sadly bid adieu to a wonderful father, friend and a man brimming with enthusiasm, energy and kindness. He will be forever loved and missed by his four daughters, Robynne (Rob), Tamryn (Devynn), Kirsten (Travis) and Jessica (Nick) and their mother Heather (Mike) and Maddy's mother, Wendy and Nana Charonne. A Celebration of William's Life will be held on Thursday, 27th August at 6:00 pm, at the West Vancouver Yacht Club located at 5854 Marine Drive.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by North Shore News from Aug. 21 to Aug. 23, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for William LIEBENBERG

Not sure what to say?





23 Entries

Marlyse Williams

November 24, 2021

William I met you in LA when you were speaking at a dental conference for the company I work for. We went for dinner that evening.. vegan of course. You were a breath of fresh airFunny, intelligent, free spirited we talked and laughed. From then on I always loved visiting your practice.
The last time I saw you was about 6 weeks before the horrific accident.. you showed me pictures of your beloved Maddy and I showed you pictures of my beautiful son Logan. You had just come back from a cycling trip all the way to and from San Fransisco.
It’s difficult to fathom that only a few years later I would also lose my precious Logan at age 16.
I hope if Logan meets you and Maddy in Heaven you go on a bike ride in the clouds.

My deepest condolences to the entire family, friends and staff.

Marlyse Williams

July 30, 2016

Ever thine...
Ever mine...
Ever Ours...you will remain in so many hearts.
In love and light always dear sweet William...

Anna

July 25, 2016

Dear William,
exactly one year ago to the day you vanished. I can not express how honored I feel to have met and spent time with you, to get to know such an incredible person, a person so driven, so gentle, so loving and caring, so intelligent and unique in many ways. As I said to you: You are an amazing piece of art of a person!
You were like a bright shooting star in the night, one that vanished as quickly as it appeared. The news of your tragic accident was devastating, and nothing I say could express the pain I felt and the sadness I still feel at times.
I never had the opportunity to express my condolences to your family, as I had never met them, but I am sending my condolences now, and wish them strength and courage to carry on without such an amazing father and friend.
I will never forget you and if all I have is the music and readings you shared with me, then I'll make sure to listen to your music and read your books over and over again.
With all my love - Anna

Shirley Crichton

July 25, 2016

A year ago today...

William and Maddy... we still think of you and miss you. William, I wish I could tell you and show you how I am still looking after my now straight teeth, thanks to you. I think of them as a memorial to you and will continue to care for them as you did. Thank you. Maddy I know that you are still the sunshine girl you always were, just in a different realm now. Father and daughter, two free spirits who graced and enhanced the world around them.

In Loving Memory.
Shirley and Laurence Crichton and family.

November 6, 2015

Such a wonderful man. Friends of my mother who also recently past in 2014. As my dentist I felt safe, cared for and always listened to. His reassurance meant everything. His dear little Maddy was the light of his life and he often spoke of her and his love for his family. Rest in Peace xo

October 2, 2015

Just absolutely devastated to learn of this tragedy today. William was our much loved family dentist in Johannesburg South Africa. Our heartfelt condolences to his beautiful family. May their dear souls rest peacefully together. Avril Best & family

Alison MacCulloch

September 15, 2015

Dearest William. Your light shone intensely bright. You wore life lightly in your step and fiercely in your actions. You regarded honesty as the highest attribute and surrounded yourself with love. Your passion for life and creativity was seen in everything you touched from your beautiful expressive art to your wonderfully welcome dental practice. You were a gift to all that knew you. I am so glad to have been part of your life , even for a day. You will be deeply missed. May your soul reach high and expand to encompass all of the love you gave during your short time here. God bless

Anja Bassett

September 3, 2015

William was my brother-in-law. He lived in Canada and I live in the UK. I haven't seen William for a long time, but I loved seeing pictures of him with my nieces and I loved hearing about all his adventures. I will miss you in my life William. I think about you every day. I think about your family every day. Anja x

Dr. J. Cheng

September 1, 2015

As a fellow colleague, I am stunned and saddened by this tragedy. My thoughts are with his family. He well well liked and respected by the dental community and will be missed.

Gail Watson

August 27, 2015

You shine through in every single smile that you created. You are very much missed William. To the staff & family, may peace fill your hearts and help ease the pain. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. Rest in Peace William . Love Dave, Gail, Sheena & Scott

Richad Zimmer

August 27, 2015

I Just recently purchased property on Gambier Island a few lots over from William and his family.
I only met him a few times but was one of the friendliest people I have met, always stopping to talk or offer advice. I introduced my two girls and he immediately invited them over to play on his families trampoline. Such a nice man.
I met Maddy just a week before the accident and she was a lovely little girl. She was giggling and playing with my dog Millie on the dock.
This accident really breaks my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Ursula Jenkins

August 27, 2015

My mentor and friend. William, you were a man of honesty, integrity and compassion. My world was made a better place through your guidance and friendship. Rest in peace with your beloved little Maddy.

Jen Jantzen

August 26, 2015

Words can not express. My family and I are better people for having known William. May those of the many lives he touched help to carry you through this painful and challenging time.

Debbie Whyman

August 26, 2015

Sleep with Jesus, until we meet again, And William....I know we will..Love you always and forever

Hazel Rawson

August 26, 2015

You were such a special part of our family for so many years. Memories of you will remain in my heart forever. My deepest sympathy to your family. May you and your little Maddie rest well till we all meet again. Much love always.

August 25, 2015

My heart is heavy and profoundly saddened.
William was a wonderful, special man.
He was a gift of love, light and joy.
Loved and cherished always.

Bilia Minelli

August 23, 2015

He was loving, he was caring and he was always there if you needed him. I feel so fortunate to have known William and so fortunate to have worked for him. You will live in our hearts forever remembering your smile and remembering your laugh. God Bless you William

Debbie Whyman

August 23, 2015

Always in my thoughts, forever in my heart.

Lynette Stewart

August 23, 2015

William, I have known you since you were 17 years old. You were part of our family. RIP dear friend.

Gabriele Tanner

August 21, 2015

I once met this lady with the beautiful teeth and asked her:
"What is your secret?" She answered:"I only say two words...Doctor Liebenberg !"
For those left behind:
May my love be woven as an offering
Into the sheaths which now surround you,
Cooling your heat,
Warming your cold,
Live upwards
Borne by love,
Endowed with light.
R.Steiner
All the best for the family.
Gabriele Tanner-Leopold

Dagmar Unger

August 21, 2015

William, a wonderful man, a brilliant dentist, an unforgettable human being, he will live on forever in the heart of the people who love him.
With great sadness, Dagmar

August 21, 2015

Such a tragic loss for his family and loved ones. He was a wonderful man and brilliant dentist and will be sorely missed

August 21, 2015

Our hearts are filled with sadness. He was so full of life, so kind, the best dentist ever, and will be dearly missed. Tina, Alexa, and Jaden

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

Memorial Events
for William LIEBENBERG

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.