GILFORD ---- William “Bill” Crawford Lesslie II, 77, was welcomed home peacefully, at Concord Hospital, on Friday, October 27, 2023.
He was born on December 6, 1945, in Malden, Massachusetts to the late William R. and Ruth (Shorley) Lesslie. Billy started to create his path in life. He took on the role of Brother, when the family welcomed his sister Christine Sara, a role that would be inseparable.
Surrounding himself with strong friends, Bill graduated from Malden High School Class of 1963; with friends Bobby, Freddie, Jim, and Eddie, just to name a few, Bill found support and was excited to start his life after graduation.
He found his passion in transportation. Bill worked for many years as a diesel mechanic for Michaud Trailways and then Pike Industries. His love of driving offered him many career opportunities to be on the road either transporting marine equipment up and down the eastern seaboard or delivering mail as a highway contractor for many years until he retired. Even then he did not slow down. You could find him delivering tourist magazines, transporting boats to or from Florida and doing part’s runs for Supreme Marine for which he was happy to be paid with cookies and brownies.
Bill welcomed to the world five children: William III, Kristen, Tracy, David, and Stephen. As he fostered fatherhood, he recognized the hardship of being away from family. Bill suffered the ultimate sacrifice of losing his sons William Crawford Lesslie III and David.
Surrounded by family and friends, Bill continued his life to impact and interact with countless people.
His love of boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, NASCAR, #3, Dale Earnhardt, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines; Bill liked what he liked.
William is survived by his sister Christine Resca (Gilford, NH), Daughters, Kristen Bisson (Manchester), Tracy Lesslie and Jesse Stpierre (Manchester), Son, Stephen and Nicole (Woburn, MA). Grandchildren: William, Abraham, Jacobo, Isaias, Isaac, Grace, Bradley, Jennifer, Arianna and Tayah.
His title of “Uncle Wiggily” will be recognized by many, however, Bill’s favorite recipients of this name were his nephews Matt Resca (Laconia, NH) and Nick Resca (Gilford, NH).
Bill Lesslie was a part of the Lakes Region, from the NASWA, Cackling Crow, to the original Crossroads, he was one of a kind.
There will be no Calling Hours.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH. A Reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to The Hoyt Foundation, 316 Main St., Unit 1168 Sturbridge, MA 01566 or to the New Hampshire Humane Society, PO Box 572, Laconia, NH 03247.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit wilkinsonbeane.com.