LESLIE , William (Bill) James Leslie

William (Bill) James Leslie passed away peacefully at his favourite place, the family cottage, on August 15, 2025. He enjoyed life, living it 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 enthusiasm, positivity, and boundless energy.

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 and his law degree from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he met his future wife Cathy.

Bill and Cathy settled in Barrie, Ontario, where Bill practiced law for over 50 years, primarily at Stewart, Esten. His distinguished legal career was marked by passion and integrity. He was a certified Specialist in Civil Litigation (1991), appointed Queen’s Counsel (1992), and became a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (2014). He frequently appeared before the Ontario Superior Court, the Federal Court, and the Ontario Court of Appeal.

Bill was a respected leader and mentor. He served as President of the Simcoe County Law Society, Director of the Advocates’ Society, and Deputy Small Claims Court Judge for over 20 years. His community involvement included founding the Huronia Rotary Club of Barrie, serving as an Elder and Steward at Collier Street United Church, and Director of the Barrie and District United Way. He was a recipient of the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Commemorative Medal for outstanding community service.

A lover of sport and friendly competition, Bill thrived in tennis, golf, swimming, skiing, canoeing, and reading. His routines and zest for adventure were infectious. His warmth, laughter, and sense of humour—especially for his own jokes—enriched the lives of those around him.

He is survived by sisters-in-law Barbara Wade and Christie MacInnes (Tom Scheibelhut), Carol Leslie, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers-in-law Bill MacInnes and John David Wade.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Collier Street United Church, 112 Collier St., Barrie. Visitation at 12:30 pm, service at 2:00 pm, followed by a reception at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Hudson Regional (Simcoe Muskoka) Cancer Centre or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared via www.steckleygooderham.com.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Homes.