W. K. Leech

W. K. "Bill" Leech, quietly passed away in 2014. To honor his wishes, a private burial will beperformed. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations to the West Texas Rehab Hospital at4601 Hartford St. Abilene, TX 79605.Bill was a man who was as proud of his middle name as he was his last name. He is preceded in deathby his parents, James & Eloise (Kouns) Leech, his brother James, and his daughter Kathleen. He issurvived by his loving wife, Sue Loveless Leech and her loving family, Brandi Terry (Randy) and sons,nieces, Melissa Leech (Victor) and Moira James (Rick), Goddaughter, Lisa Slate, and numerous cousinsand friends. He will be especially missed by his best friends Dick "Gunner" Gunlogson (Janice) and TobyColeman (Allison).Bill grew up in Weatherford, TX. He was proud of his high school education from Weatherford HighSchool and though he never went to college he never stopped learning. He made it a point toencourage every kid he met to go to college.Bill's successful career started as a welder "hanging iron". He started his own business, Leech Industries,building overhead bridge cranes and had customers throughout the United States. During this time hediscovered his other true loves, flying and big game hunting on the North American continent. Hisfriendships with fellow hunters and pilots are too numerous to count.Bill's greatest passion was hunting North American Wild Sheep. He was an accomplished hunter withthree grand slams. Some of his other trophies included musk ox, grizzly bear, and most importantly, thegreat white polar bear he proudly displayed in the front window of his home when he lived in Arlington.In 1981 Bill and a small group of hunters joined forces and created an organization for the conservationof the North American Wild Sheep. This organization became known as the Texas Bighorn Society andwith the help and support from hunters and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department the Desert Bighornhas been reestablished in the state of Texas.Bill had a heart as big as Alaska and a love for kids that never ended. He was an avid supporter of theBig Brothers & Sisters of Arlington during the 1970's and was a major sponsor of the annual Big Brothers& Sisters Celebrity Golf Tourney. Each year he would donate a pair of handmade Alligator boots, whichhe personally hunted, for the auction. All proceeds went to this charity.After retirement Bill moved west where his roots had always been. He became a rancher and workedthe K/L ranch from sun up to sun down but he always made time for helping the kids who lived andloved the ranching life.He helped coordinate & create the Stephens County Sheriff Posse and this group of men sponsored theYoung Cowboys Ranch Rodeo. This rodeo soon became a highlight event in the spring and fall and kidsfrom all over gathered their team for fun competition in the rodeo arena. The most challenging and funevent always turned out to be the goat roping.Bill never did care for the limelight, so he has chosen to just move on quietly. He was a man with strongChristian values. He was a man that generously gave back to others. Bill Leech has left us with some bigboots to fill.