June 25, 1936 - December 27, 2020
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father William "Bill" Lehman on the morning of December 27, 2020 at the PAH Foundation Hospice at the age of 84 years. Bill Lehman was born in the town of Formosa, Ontario June 25, 1936. Son of Otillia Lehman and Edgar Lehman and brother to Mary Frances and Betty Ann.
Bill's early childhood was spent in the small farming community of Formosa, Ontario. He is a graduate of St. Michael's High School in Toronto. He married Phyllis Hopkins in 1958 and together they lived in Toronto, Hanover, Kitchener, and Georgetown until 1977.
In 1977 Bill earned a promotion to General Sales Manager for Western Canada for T J Lipton Company and he and Phyllis and their five children were moved to BC and settled in the South Surrey/ White Rock area. Bill's career at Lipton's spanned 35+ years. Bill was an usher at Good Shepherd Church and his faith gave him inner strength to face his greatest challenge.
Bill very much enjoyed the social aspect of life from his many friends and neighbors, involvement in charitable service organizations such as the Phoenix Group, his golfing buddies, to his sons and daughters' activities which included hockey and swimming. Later he enjoyed watching his grandchildren's softball, soccer, rugby, dance and their many school activities.
Bill enjoyed family vacations and travelling - from time spent at "Tom Bone's Cottage" in Bancroft Ontario, camping at Sauble Beach, Ontario, and various places in Canada and the United States. This included RVing to Arizona with Phyllis in his retirement years.
Bill was predeceased by his sister Mary Frances Ernewein (2001), daughter Cindy Lemire (2005), and wife Phyllis (2014). Bill is survived by his sister Betty Ann Barber, sons Paul (Lynn) Lehman, John (Nancy) Lehman, and daughters Nancy (Grant) Morrison, Rosemary (John) Dunn all of Surrey, BC and son-in-law Jocelyn" Joe" Lemire of Trois Rivieres, Quebec, as well as 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild all of whom he loved and adored.
The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and caregivers who cared for Bill during his fight with cancer at Surrey Memorial Hospital- BC Cancer Agency and Royal Columbian Hospital. To the Nurses at the PAH Foundation Lodge Hospice, you are Angels during a very difficult time for families.
A special thank you to Aida Sapinsky who provided at home care and companionship for our father during the last year of his journey. To Dad's many friends and neighbors in Ocean Park, White Rock and Surrey, thank you for your kindness and friendship.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions a private Family ceremony will be held at Gardens of Gethsemani in the coming days with a planned Celebration of Life when family and friends can come together as Bill would want. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Rest in Peace Bill.