William Paul Leck

LEBANON, N.H. - William (Bill) Paul Leck, formerly of Meriden, died unexpectedly at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, after a brief illness.

He was born in Meriden, Conn. on Feb. 27, 1952. Bill was raised, steadfast and bold, by his hardworking parents William A. Leck (deceased) and Arline Chase Leck. Bill attended Meriden schools. In his early 20's, Bill accompanied his California-dreaming school chums on many a cross-country adventure whereby Bill became his own version of Kerouac. Bill loved to tell stories of his travels in an inimitable and humorous style, but never took pen to paper. His merry band of modern-day minstrels included Dean Newberry of Felton, Calif., and childhood friend Gary Burr now, of Nashville, Tenn. Our family believes it was Dean who made Bill laugh the hardest, yet Bill was blessed with a loyal group of lifelong, fun-loving friends that he regarded as family. Whether in a Studebaker, van, truck or boat, Bill loved being behind the wheel. Motion offered him a sense of transcendence and an opportunity to chase his worldly dreams and delights. At the helm, Bill was captain of his destiny. After years of employment in delivery, transport, warehouse management and car sales; Bill moved to Windsor, Vt. to join his companion Donna Peck and her family.

Bill is survived by his mother, Arline Chase Leck, of Plantsville; sister, Deb, of California; companion, Donna Peck and family, of Windsor, Vt.; friend and former spouse, Diane Hamelin, of Prospect; godmother and aunt, Ruth Chase Johnson, of Meriden; uncle, Luin Chase, of Cheshire; numerous friends, cousins; and great- cousins; and last, but not least, his German Shepherd, "Doc."

It was Bill's wish to be buried with his Dad. Pastor Alex da Silva Souto of South Meriden Trinity United Methodist Church will preside over a brief graveside burial service for family and friends in Section 27 of Walnut Grove Cemetery, 817 Old Colony Road, Meriden, CT, on Friday, June 21, at 2:30 p.m. Additional information is available on www.knightfuneralhomes.com