William “Bill” David Leedy, 82, formerly of Coloma, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 in Eastvale, CA, with his son Brian by his side.
Bill was born March 10, 1939 in Coloma, to Walter and Marion (Jensen) Leedy.
After graduating from Coloma High School in 1957, Bill attended Western Michigan University and pursued a degree in education. That degree led him back to Coloma Community Schools where he had a teaching career that spanned 36 years, teaching junior high school students math. He also dedicated many years coaching football, basketball and baseball to many Coloma athletes. He would often share stories of his early years of coaching and the athletes that were the greats of their era.
Early in his life, Bill trained under the guidance of Elwood Geisler as an auto-mechanic for Geisler Motors in Coloma. The skills he learned provided him a second career as a part-time mechanic for Sears for 30 years.
Bill spent many years as a volunteer fireman and EMT for the former Hagar Township Fire Department and Ambulance. Eventually he became Fire Chief and he served in this role for many years. He had great pride in the fire department, mentoring new firefighters and serving the community of Hagar Township.
It was through the fire department, that he met his wife, Barbara. They were married in 1982 and together they raised their five children. They were married for 32 years and were separated by her death in 2015.
Upon retirement, Bill moved to the Upper Peninsula and spent his free time gardening, fishing and hunting. He was proud of his hunting cabin nestled in the woods of the U.P. Unable to keep volunteering out of his system he joined the Wells Township Fire Department for a short period of time.
As a lifetime Cubs fan, Bill spent many hours cheering for the Cubbies and if they weren’t playing, any other baseball game would be on the TV. The night before his death, he spent time with his son, watching a biopic about Ernie Banks.
Bill is survived by his children, Tracy (Jason) Spaulding, Brian (Anita) Leedy, Rob (Allison) Harper, Mike Harper and Lana Enos; his brothers, Robert (Regina) Leedy, Bennet Leedy and his sister, Brenda (Kevin) Kniebes; his grandchildren, Harrison, Mallory and Kimberly Spaulding, Jamie, Kaitlyn and Alyssa Leedy, Melanie Harper, Krystal Serratos, David Ritlaw, Brittany Ritlaw and Brandon Leedy; many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren
Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Leedy; his parents, Walter and Marion (Jensen) Leedy; and brother, Barry Leedy.
Cremation has taken place and a life celebration will be scheduled for summer 2022. Memorial contributions can be made to Coloma Athletic Boosters.
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