Lenny, as he was known to most, was a coach. He was analytical, he could quickly evaluate a skill, another team's defense or offense and he could give correction very quickly. And he was like this in all facets of his life.
His most recent passion was public education. The same skills he brought to coaching sports he also brought to the board table. He always remembered he was elected by the people and worked hard to have their voices heard.
He taught in Arcola and Weyburn. Weyburn is where Len made a reputation as an outstanding coach. Since Len moved to Weyburn, the school won approximately 40 provincial titles, Len was actively involved in thirty-three of those championships. Len coached Weyburn basketball teams to 14 consecutive Hoopla appearances. Len served the South East District as president and as commissioner of many activities. Len served on the SHSAA Executive and brought many years of experience as a delegate to the annual meeting.
“I would like to define success here, not in terms of grade point averages, thousands of dollars, or even in terms of numbers of gold medals. No, success is self-satisfaction and participation in your chosen community. Many of you have heard me issue you the challenge of being as good as you can be. Or as the U.S Army says, “Be all you can be”. If we as individuals ever come close to being as good as we can be. There will be a lot of truly outstanding individuals in this room. Whatever you choose to do, be the best you can be.
It is not easy to say that we have done our best. To say this, I think a person must make it a goal. There has to be planning and preparation and hours of work or training in pursuit of this goal. It is this self-effort and self-discipline that gives you the feeling and satisfaction to say I was as good as I can be. Along the way there will be awards and achievements, but the real bonus is after the applause dies away and the certificates are put away, what you will have left is a character that is yours forever.”
Len Williams Keep Smiling