With deep gratitude, we honour the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. William “Bill” Eichhorst, who passed into the presence of his Lord on May 1st. As his beloved wife Pat said so beautifully, “Bill is singing bass in God’s choir right now.”
Bill’s life was marked by faith, wisdom, and steadfast service. After graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary in the early 1960s, Bill accepted a call to Providence (formerly known as the Winnipeg Bible Institute), beginning a lifelong commitment to Christian education and leadership. He and Pat served faithfully as dorm parents at 2 Evergreen Place, while Bill took on roles as Dean of Students and Professor of Theology. His leadership helped guide the school through major transitions, including several institutional renamings and the move to our current Otterburne campus.
Some of the initiatives he led included the construction of Bergen Hall, the addition of Forsberg House, the renovation of Providence House, the lagoon construction, and significant improvements to the Hanna Centre. Under his leadership, the College received tax exemption.
Bill’s impact deepened over the years as he served at Providence as Academic Dean, Seminary Dean, and ultimately President from 1979 to 1993. His heart for students, his academic integrity, and his dedication to the Great Commission shaped generations of leaders, pastors, and missionaries.
One of his more significant achievements was creating the impetus to launch Providence Theological Seminary, and particularly the Seminary’s Counselling major. He also led the Seminary to achieve accreditation with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the University of Manitoba. It was during this time (1991) that the name Winnipeg Bible College and Theological Seminary was changed to Providence College and Seminary. Following his presidency, Bill was appointed Chancellor of Providence. Eichhorst Hall is named after him.
Yet beyond his titles and accomplishments, Bill was also a friend and teammate. Alumni and colleagues fondly recall his time on the WBC fastball team in the 1970s—proving that this theologian could also hold his own on the ball field.
In recognition of his enduring legacy, Bill will be posthumously awarded Providence’s Distinguished Servant Award at the Centennial Gala this September.
Dr. Bill Eichhorst’s life was a testimony to faith in action—scholar, leader, teammate, and servant of Christ. We give thanks for his influence and rejoice in the assurance that he is now at home with the Saviour he so faithfully served.
Memorial Services are scheduled for 2pm on Friday, May 9 at the Birchwood Funeral Home in Steinbach. All are welcome to come and celebrate Bill’s extraordinary life lived in service to the Lord Jesus Christ.
