It is said there are four Fs that could best describe Bill Leahy: family, farming, friends and faith.
At 91 years of age, he had lived a long and fulfilling life, one of hard work and determination to give his all in anything he did.
Bill was born in Rochester and lost his mother at age 4 and his father at 12.
He went to boarding school at Xavier College and decided as soon as he was old enough, he would marry and have lots of children so he would never be lonely again.
He was at his happiest when all of his family came home for Christmas.
He always welcomed visitors and people to stay. If they needed a bed, the door was always open with a warm cuppa and a listening ear.
Bill was on the spot when grandson James was born — with his son John away, daughter-in-law Julie went into labour, so she called Bill and his wife, Maureen, to take her to Echuca hospital.
Needless to say, they did not make it, and James was born at home in Strathallan.
Despite having 10 children of his own, this was a new experience for Bill, who then drove his new grandson quickly to Rochester hospital.
On arrival, staff offered Julie a wheelchair but after seeing Bill, it was suggested the wheelchair would be best for him.
In 1996, Bill had a bad accident with a bull at Homebush, yet he managed to load the bull, drive back to Rochester Park and unload the trailer. All before coming inside and lying down on the lounge floor and thinking a quick lunch will fix him.
But after Maureen’s analysis and a second opinion from Julie, an ambulance was called.
With mobile in hand and being stretchered off to emergency, he was told he had a fractured vertebrae and broken ribs and needed six months’ rest. He took six weeks — that was Bill's work ethic at its best.
In 2006, he wrote his memoirs in a book called Homebush to Rochester Park, which has been described as “truly a great read".
Another one of Bill's great passions was his community service; there would not be many local organisations or sporting clubs that Bill had not had something to do with, either directly or via one of the children’s involvement.
Church, tennis, school, cemetery, pony club and many more — he even scored netball, but not very well.
He really did love Rochester.
Bill leaves behind many great memories, and those who knew him were all better off because of that.
He was a wonderful and caring husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and a friend to many.
Bill passed away on Monday, May 17 and was a loving husband to Myra (deceased) and Maureen, as well as a father to Matt, Monica (dec.), Anne-Maree, Paul, Tim, John, Liz, Danny, Brian and Kate.
He was also a much-loved Pa to 27 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
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