WILLIAM JAMES "BILL" LESLIE

William "Bill" James Leslie passed away peacefully at his favourite place, the family cottage, on August 15, 2025. He enjoyed life, living his life to the fullest, right up until his last day. Bill was a loving husband to Cathy (née MacInnes) Leslie for 52 years; cherished brother to Joan (Bruce Pope) and Bob; and adored father to Anne (Chris McNamara), Rob (Sheilagh Sanders), and Cate (Justin Dick). In his later years, Bill became a beloved "Poppy" to six grandchildren (Sarah and Henry McNamara, Elle and Annie Leslie, Charlie and Taylor Dick), a role he embraced with the same enthusiasm, positivity, and boundless energy he brought to all aspects of his life. Bill was a man of many talents, accomplishments, and interests, but nothing was more important to him than his family. Bill was born in Belleville, Ontario, to parents Bryson and Ardith Leslie, on May 26, 1946. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph, followed by a law degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. On a fateful trip into the Dalhousie campus bookstore, he met a young Maritimer and fellow Dal student, Cathy, who became his partner for life. Bill and Cathy settled in Barrie, Ontario, where Bill practised law. His law career spanned over 50 years, the majority of those years were spent at Stewart, Esten. Bill's career perfectly combined his love of the law and his skills as an advocate. He loved his work, had a deep admiration for his colleagues at Stewart, Esten, and was a litigator in the truest sense - no matter the challenge, he would champion his clients' interests with passion and integrity. He frequently appeared before the Ontario Superior Court, the Federal Court, and the Ontario Court of Appeal. He was certified as a Specialist in Civil Litigation by the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1991, was appointed Queen's Counsel (now King's Counsel) in 1992, and became a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America in 2014. A natural leader and mentor to many, Bill served as President of the Simcoe County Law Society, a Director of the Advocates' Society, and was a Deputy Small Claims Court Judge in Central East Region for over 20 years. Bill believed in the importance of community and giving back. He was involved in many community endeavours, including being a founding member and Director of the Huronia Rotary Club of Barrie, an Elder and Steward at Collier Street United Church, and a Director of the Barrie and District United Way. In recognition of his extensive volunteer contributions, Bill was awarded the commemorative medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, given to Canadians who made a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, community, or to Canada. Bill enjoyed his sports and relished all forms of friendly competition, from a relay race at the cottage to his cherished weekly tennis matches and golf games, where he formed so many enduring friendships. Bill loved his routines, especially his morning swim, paddling his canoe or settling in with a good book. But nothing got him more excited than a ski day or ski trip with his family and friends. Bill's indomitable spirit and joie de vivre were contagious and evident to all who knew him. He laughed easily and heartily (especially at his own jokes). Bill brought a sense of fun wherever he went and by doing so, deeply enriched the lives of those around him. In addition to the above family, he is survived by sisters-in-law, Barbara Wade and Christie MacInnes (Tom Scheibelhut); Carol Leslie; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, all of whom meant so much to him. He was predeceased by brothers-in-law, Bill MacInnes and John David Wade. A Celebration of Life will take place Friday, September 19, 2025, at Collier Street United Church, with Visitation at 12:30 p.m., Service at 2 p.m., followed by a Reception at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, and if desired, donations in memory of Bill can be made to the Hudson Regional (Simcoe Muskoka) Cancer Centre or a Charity of Your Choice.