William Leslie Bethune Jr.

William Leslie Bethune, Jr.

William Leslie Bethune, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family at his residence in Scottsville, New York on Monday, February 23, 2015.

Born in Erie, Pennsylvania on April 19, 1944, he was the son of the late William L. Bethune, Sr. and the late Dorothy C. Harbison Bethune. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a brother, Jon R. "Randy" Bethune.

Bill is survived by his lifelong love and wife of fifty years, Linda McElhattan Bethune, daughters Lesley Bates (Michael), Heather Ranck (Keith) and grandchildren Erin and Ryan Bates and Amelia and Shea Ranck. He is also survived by one brother, Douglas H. Bethune (Adele) of Erie, Pennsylvania and many nieces and nephews.

Bill graduated from Wesleyville High School, class of 1962 and Pennsylvania State University. He also served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967. At the time of his death he was employed as an Automation Engineer with Atlas Automation Inc. of Rochester, where he was highly regarded for his professionalism, integrity, and knowledge.

Bill served his community as a member and past president of the Scottsville Lions Club and a former Boy Scout leader. He was a long-time member of Union Presbyterian Church in Scottsville and was ordained as an Elder.

A lifelong sports car enthusiast, he was a member of the MG Sports Car Club of Western New York. He and Linda were a familiar sight at road rallies in their restored 1959 Austin Healy "Bug Eye" Sprite. Also an avid fan of RV camping, he and Linda were members of the Winnebago/Itasca RV Club, Seneca Chapter. He loved the outdoors and liked nothing better than sitting by a campfire with family and friends.

Bill was much loved and respected by all who knew him, family, friends and associates alike, he will be sadly missed.

A memorial service for Bill will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Union Presbyterian Church, 1 Browns Avenue, Scottsville.

In Lieu of flowers a memorials in Bill's honor may be made to the Scottsville Lions Club, 15 Oatka Place, Scottsville, New York 14546, or to the Union Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund at the address above.