Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Lessa Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Lessa
Sponsored by TheReporter.com.
2 Entries
Bret
December 18, 2023
My apologies for this late note. I just became aware of Bill´s passing.
I worked for, and with, Bill for perhaps 20 years.
Not only was he one of the smartest guys that I ever worked with - scratch that - he was the smartest guy that I ever worked with; but he was by far the funniest. I can't count the number of times that he had me not only laughing out loud, but after the fact - days, weeks, months, or years later, I was still, I am still, laughing out loud at how just how profoundly funny his jokes and antics were.
These weren't jokes that had a punchline. It was just Bill acting out during situations that presented themselves. Generally, it involved someone talking to Bill, or the group of us, who was taking themselves way too seriously.
Those people were easy prey for Bill.
Here we are perhaps +/-20 years after some of his antics, and I'm still either sharing them and giving him credit, or I'm stealing his lines or acts for myself and taking credit.
As far as his wisdom, I was younger than Bill and thought I knew it all. But when he became my boss, he quickly gave me an attitude adjustment. It wasn't like he took a 2x4 and hit me upside the head. No. All he did was ask me some very simple, but very profound questions. I felt like an idiot. But that's all it took for me to realize that I had found my new mentor.
Now, I understand that when people pass, we try and focus on only their virtues rather than their faults. And I get it. But here's the rub. Bill was one of those guys that wouldn't have it any other way. By that I mean, he would welcome someone pointing out his flaws or his faults.
How do I know that? Because on more than one occasion, I went out of my way to make fun of Bill or to point out one of his faults. Most guys take it personal. Even if guys are just horsing around, they may try and play it off, but deep down inside they still take it personal. Not Bill.
I remember one time I was poking fun at him about being in the Navy. (After further reflection I decided to remove the details - they might get me cancelled). Nevertheless, Bill listened to my insult, and he looked at me with a confused look on his face - an act, of course. I thought maybe he was going say "FU", or something similar. But after a few seconds of silence and a faux look of confusion and furrowed brow, Bill told me "when I was in the Navy they told me that that was how guys were supposed to act". (Edited for public consumption).
Obviously this is one of those cases where you had to be there. But his self-deprecating humor just floored me. Those types of encounters still have me laughing to this day.
And that wasn't the only time. I could go on and on about his similar antics.
Can we ever really say for sure that we know someone? Whether we meet them one time or we spend our whole lives with them? I don't know how well I really knew Bill.
All I know for sure is that Bill was smart, he was funny, and he probably has no idea, but he had a huge impact on my career, and by extrapolation, my life.
My heart goes out to Judy and his children.
While we were working together, during his serious moments, he spoke of you all often, and very fondly.
Godspeed to all of you.
Bret
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Ryan Sherman
November 10, 2023
I went to day care with Bill's daughter Ashley and son Nathan. I knew they loved their father and will miss him terribly. May he rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in William Lessa's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for William Lessa
People and places connected with William
Recent Obituaries
How to support William's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor William Lessa's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
