WILLIAM J VANLEISHOUT Obituary (1937

William J. Vanleishout "Bill", devoted husband, dad and grandpa, passed on April 24th 2020 surrounded by his family, who are forever blessed by his inspiring love and unfailing support. Bill was born in a small house on Sinclair Creek January 4th, 1937 to Julia and Tony Vanleishout. He was the youngest of five children. He later moved with his family to the ranch on what is now known as West Road. Bill had fond memories of growing up with his family and neighbors in the Sinclair Creek area and attending the Glen Lake School. This is where Bill received his early education and learned a love for the game of baseball. When reflecting on his life, Bill recalled his fondness for the calm of life in the Tobacco Valley. He recalled swimming in the Big Ditch swimming hole and playing baseball with friends. He learned to hunt and fish from his many uncles and loved spending time in the mountains, which would provide the means for Bill to support his family later in life through the timber and Christmas tree industries. It was in Eureka that Bill met and married the love of his life, Vivian. They raised their family in Eureka and had a great impact on many children in addition to their own. For several years, Bill volunteered and coached sports for the kids of Eureka. There was even a baseball diamond set up in the open lot across the street from his family home, where neighborhood kids gathered to play. Bill attended almost every game, match and meet for the past 60 years until his health declined. Even in the hospital he postponed therapy to listen to the game being broadcast. He had fond memories of watching the boys and girls compete during winning and losing seasons. He was so proud of every one of them for victories great and small. He has been a proud supporter of the Eureka Lions. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Julia and Tony, and siblings Betty, Grace Miller and George. He is survived by his wife Vivian, brother Clarence (Louise) Vanleishout, brother-in-law Dale Miller; children Penny McGuire, Candy (Ralph) Gelderman, Ronald Vanleishout; grandchildren Danielle (Kade) Fleenor and Austin Gelderman, Kasi, Karsten and Soela Vanleishout, Jenna and Jillian McGuire and great grandchildren Vivienne and Kennedy Fleenor; and adopted kids Wendy, Kyle, and Brittan Austin, Charles Stuart, Becca Jankovsky, and many extended family members. No memorial is scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Graduates With Gratitude Lincoln County High School Scholarship Fund. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Eureka. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.