William Robert Lenk's Obituary
“Alzheimer’s may take away memories, but it cannot take away the love that was given and received—it lives on in the hearts of those left behind.”
William Robert Lenk, Retired Navy, lovingly known as Bill, was born on December 7, 1946, in Concord, California, to Barbara Lawson Hackley and Richard Flotow Lenk, passed away on May 13, 2026 in Palm Coast, Florida. Bill lived a life full of purpose, adventure, laughter, and, most importantly, love.
In 1966, shortly after graduating from Belmont High School, Bill answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. Over the course of 26 proud and dedicated years, he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer . As a Vietnam veteran, Bill traveled the world, forming stories he would later tell so vividly. Among his favorite memories were his time in Nea Makri, Greece, and Ponce, Puerto Rico—places he spoke of often and with great fondness.
While Bill was proud of his service, those who knew him best knew that his greatest joy in life was love—especially the love he found later in life with his wife, Yvette. Though he was married for many years to Carole Watts Lenk, with whom he shared three children, it was in 2013 that Bill married his “lovely wife,” Yvette Sabater-Lenk. He would often say, with a smile and full sincerity, that his life “didn’t start” until he met her. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, travel, new experiences, and deep companionship. Whether they were exploring new places, enjoying wine tastings, trying new foods, or simply spending time side by side, their love was evident to all who saw them.
After retiring from the Navy, Bill never stopped moving forward. He explored different paths, including work as a trainer with Quest and at Sam’s Club, and earned his Bachelors degree in Information Tecnology—proving it is never too late to grow. His heart for service remained strong, and he gave back generously by volunteering with fellow veterans through the VA, DAV and supporting Elks and Moose lodges in Colorado, Virginia, and Florida.
Bill truly embraced life. He loved being out in the world, whether at the shooting range, traveling somewhere new, or sitting down to enjoy a good meal and conversation. But nothing meant more to him than his family. His face would light up when talking about his children, bonus son, and absolutely glowed when it came to his grandchildren, who brought him endless pride and joy.
Four years ago, Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Though the disease slowly took pieces of his memory, it never took away who he was at his core—a man of strength, humor, and love. In his final year, he was surrounded by constant care and unwavering devotion from those who loved him most. By his side through it all were his devoted wife, Yvette; his daughter, Krista; his son-in-law, John; and his beloved grandchildren, Corbin, Owen and Nathan. whose presence brought comfort and light even in the hardest moments.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara Lawson Hackley and Richard Flotow Lenk, his brother, Steven Hackley and father in law, Johnny Sabater..
He leaves behind a family who will carry his love forward: his wife, Yvette Sabater-Lenk; his mother in law, Alicia Sabater; his children, Krista Lenk Smith (John), Victoria Lenk Thompson, and Aaron Robert Lenk (Ellie); and his bonus son, William Lyle Moore. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Corbin Reid Smith, Evan Nicholas Thompson, Owen Steele Smith, Nathan Stone Smith, Hailey Paige Thompson, Christian Diego Hernandez- Lenk, and Dean Johnson Moore, each of whom held a special place in his heart.
He is also survived by his sister, Donna Sanders (Allen); brother, Michael Hackley; his sisters-in-love, Nilza Mercado (Elvin), Victoria Barrow, Tracy Fickert, and Jaimi Blaszka-Piscitelli (Michael); his cherished former son-in-law, Nicholas Thompson (Amy); and his niece and nephew, Nicole Phillips and Ryan Phillips (Mindy).
Bill’s life was not defined by titles or time, but by the love he gave, the stories he shared, and the way he made people feel. He had a way of connecting with others, of making moments meaningful, and of reminding those around him to truly live.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date in accordance with Bill’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Disabled American Veterans, causes that were close to Bill’s heart.
Though Alzheimer’s may have taken his memories, it never took his love—and that love will remain, steady and enduring, in the hearts of all who knew him.
“What the mind may forget, the heart will always remember.”
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the Family with arrangements.
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