Cleric, educator, administrator.
Born on the family farm near Yorkton, Saskatchewan on 12 November 1932, he was one of nine children. After completing high school at Yorkton, he attended Millar College of the Bible at Pambun, Saskatchewan before teaching at a school in Herb Lake Landing for a year. Further studies followed at Northwestern College (Minneapolis, Minnesota), Dallas Theological Seminary (Dallas, Texas), and Grace Theological Seminary (Winona Lake, Indiana).
In 1962, he returned to Manitoba to begin teaching at the Winnipeg Bible College (known today as Providence University College). He served as Professor of Theology, Dean of Men, Dean of Students, Dean of the Seminary, President (1979-1993), and Chancellor (1993-2002). He oversaw marked growth of the institution during this time. He helped to launch Providence Theological Seminary and was the first Seminary Dean. During his time as Chancellor, a student residence was named Eichhorst Hall in honour of his decades of faithful service.
In 1956, he married Patty Eales and they had a son. He died on 1 May 2025 and was interred in the Steinbach Heritage Cemetery.
Obituary, Birchwood Funeral Chapel Co-op.
“In memory of Rev. Dr. William (Bill) Eichhorst,” Providence University College, 2 May 2025.
We thank Donna Jones for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.
Page revised: 1 February 2026
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