Canadian Armed Forces announce the passing of former Commander of the Canadian Army - Retired Lieutenant-General leaves behind a strong legacy of military service

News Release

OTTAWA - The Canadian Armed Forces express sincere condolences upon the death of Lieutenant-General (Retired) William Leach. (Photo to the right: Formal portrait of Colonel Commandant William (Bill) C. Leach, CMM, CD, Logistics Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces).

Lt.-Gen. Leach, CMM, CD, passed away in Ottawa on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. He is survived by his three children and one sister.

Quick Facts

Born in Sarnia, Ontario, Lt.-Gen. Leach was a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario and served more than 40 years in various logistics command, senior administrative and finance appointments in the Canadian Army.

Lt.-Gen. Leach served as Chief of the Land Staff, now referred to as Commander Canadian Army, from 1997 to 2000. He retired from the Regular Force in the summer of 2000. As of 2011, he assumed the advisory role of Colonel Commandant to the Logistics Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Lt.-Gen. Leach is a recipient of the Canadian Order of Military Merit (Commander) and the United States Legion of Merit (Commander).

Following his retirement, Lt.-Gen. Leach was active in the private sector, as well as a wide variety of volunteer activities. He served as Honorary Colonel of the Ottawa Service Battalion and as Chair of the Defence and Security Committee of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was also involved with the Military Families Fund and Support Our Troops initiatives and held board positions with the University of Ottawa, the Royal Ottawa Hospital and the Institute for Mental Health Research. Most recently, he served as Chair of the Board of the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum.

Quotes

“We have lost an exemplary soldier and leader. It is most appropriate to honour Lieutenant-General Leach’s commitment and his contributions to the success of our Canadian military family. A colleague and friend, he will be fondly remembered.”
Lieutenant-General Marquis Hainse, Commander Canadian Army

“Lieutenant-General Leach exemplified the values and attributes of all Logisticians. He was a great supporter and advocate of the Branch and he will be greatly missed.”
Colonel Angela Banville, Logistics Branch Advisor

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Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811

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Date modified:: 2015-04-03

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Canadian Armed Forces announce the passing of former Commander of the Canadian Army - Retired Lieutenant-General leaves behind a strong legacy of military service

News Release

Page details