Remembering an Exemplary Citizen

November 01, 2011

On November 11 at 11 a.m., Remembrance Day, Canadians take time to remember, to pay tribute to the more than two million who have served this country in uniform since Confederation, especially the more than 116,000 of them who lie in foreign graves, forever young. By honouring them we show respect for their legacy: our country - our freedom.

One of those two million, who served with distinction, was Bill Lesick, who passed away in September of this year. His story, from humble beginnings, says a lot about just what it means to be Canadian.

Bill was born in 1923, in Spedden, Alberta in the Smoky Lake district, of immigrant Ukrainian parents. He contributed to his province and to his country with great distinction, in a way that can best be described as truly honourable.
As a member of the Canadian Army he served in World War II, in Europe, helping liberate Holland with the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards. After the war he owned and managed the Beverly Pharmacy.

Bill Lesick believed in public service. He was elected and served as Member of Parliament for Edmonton East, then served as Citizenship Judge. As a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Norwood Branch Bill was known to all as he chaired the Remembrance Day Parade at the Beverly Cenotaph for many years.

William George Lesick was a War Veteran, a Member of Parliament, a Pharmacist, a Citizenship Judge, a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and a Friend.

Like so many Canadian veterans, Bill Lesick was respected for his service to his country in war and peace. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends, especially on Remembrance Day each year. This year, pause for a moment, remember those who served Canada for the freedoms we enjoy today.

We must not forget.