William "Bill" George Bach MD

William (Bill) George Bach, MD, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, physician, and deacon, passed away on July 26, 2026. He was born on December 29, 1936, in Carmangay, Alberta, Canada, to Leonard and Josephine Bach. He grew up on a wheat farm with a hard-working father and a mother who served as a local schoolteacher. Bill attended the University of Alberta, where he earned his degree from the School of Medicine.

Following his internship at Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, Bill married the love of his life, Joyce (Joy) Ann Gourlay, in June of 1961. The newlyweds immediately relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, so Bill could begin his residency in Psychiatry at the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) at the University of Pittsburgh. Though he initially intended to complete a three-year residency and return to Canada, he stayed an extra year to specialize in child psychiatry. Bill was then drafted into the U.S. Army, serving as a Captain and Chief of Psychiatry in the Medical Corps at Fort Ord, California, for two years.

Upon completing his military service, Bill and Joy returned to the University of Pittsburgh, where Bill was appointed Assistant Professor of Child Psychiatry. He remained at WPIC until accepting the position of Medical Director at the Community Mental Health Center in Rochester, Pennsylvania. In 1986, he accepted the role of Medical Director at the Valley Institute of Psychiatry (now River Valley Behavioral Health Children’s Hospital) in Owensboro, Kentucky. After 14 years of dedicated service as Medical Director and Hospital Administrator, Bill retired in July 2000. Bill loved children deeply and always gave God credit for his ability to relate to and help countless young people find healing in their mental health journey.

Second only to his love of God was the love for his wife and family. Known for his fun-loving attitude and quick sense of humor, Bill brought joy and laughter to those around him. Whether it was gathering around the table for dinner every night, or playing cards or board games, time with family was sacred. Even crossword puzzles and trips to go antiquing were family group activities. With the addition of grandchildren, family get togethers became known as “Camp Bachemonium” – a little pandemonium, mixed with a heap of love and laughter. His big grin and a warm embrace made everyone feel immediately valued and loved.

Beyond his professional calling, Bill found immense joy in creative pursuits. He possessed a deep love for music, particularly classical piano, which he studied through high school while also playing dance music with friends for local community events. Bill also had a keen eye for art and antiques, with a special appreciation for early American furniture and pottery.

At the core of Bill’s life was his devout Catholic faith. As a child, even during severe Canadian winters, he fondly recalled traveling 15 miles on dirt roads with his parents to attend weekend Mass. Throughout his life in Pennsylvania and Kentucky, Bill attended daily Mass, finding peace and purpose in starting each day in communion with God. He served the Church faithfully as a member of Parish Councils, the Owensboro Diocesan Review Board, a peritus for the Diocesan Tribunal, a member of the Sierra Club, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, prayer group leader, active participant in the Charismatic movement, and a regular attendee of Eucharistic Adoration. Both Bill and Joy became Oblates of the Passionists in 1996, living and reflecting the spiritual life of the passion of Christ. One of Bill’s most cherished honors was his ordination as a Permanent Deacon in 2012, serving at Blessed Mother Church in Owensboro. Living out his faith was his life's greatest joy.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his three infant sisters. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Joy; their children: David (Anne) Bach of Wilson, NC, Cathy Zadrzynski of Charlotte, NC, Darrell (Kate) Bach of Fort Mill, SC, Arlene (Ray) Elliott of Ann Arbor, MI, and Nancy (Kevin) Bach of Evansville, IN; 16 grandchildren: Alexandria (Harold), Anica, Sara, Grace, Austin (Sienna), Erika (Andrew), Benjamin, Andrew, Maggie, Stephen, Matthew, Daniel, David, Ellie, Daniel, and Rachel; and 3 great-grandchildren: Eric, Zoe, and Elise.

A special thank you to the sisters and staff of the Carmel Home, as well as the staff at Timesavers for the love and care in tending to Bill these last few years. Also, a special thanks to special friends Don & Vickie Cecil, as well as David & Karen Jarboe.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, August 3 at Blessed Mother Catholic Church. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 until 6:00 pm with prayers at 5:30 and Monday from 9:00 until 9:30 at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Entombment with military honors will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Passionists Nuns 8564 Crisp Rd, Whitesville, KY 42378; the Carmel Home 2501 Old Hartford Rd, Owensboro, KY 42303 or Blessed Mother Church 601 E 23rd St, Owensboro, KY 42303.

Condolences and memories for Bill’s family may be left at www.glenncares.com.