Strawberry Island adopted 3 February 1986 on C.3649 as an established local name, recommended by G. Richardson, Hydrographic Service.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Canadian Hydrographic Service identified 2 local names for this small island: "Leich" and "Strawberry" (origin/significance of those names not provided); "Strawberry" was recommended for adoption by CHS in 1986.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Old-timers recall going over to the island to pick strawberries, hence the name. The other local name, "Leich", apparently refers to Ed Leach, a Tofino fisheries officer who was murdered in 1927. Correct spelling of family name confirmed from death certificate and newspaper articles about the murder. Ed Leach never lived on this island, and the site of his murder was never determined, hence it is unclear how or why his name came to be associated with this island, much less mis-spelled. The name "Leach Island" appears on the current owner's property assessment. (October & November 2004 advice from Tofino columnist Adrienne Mason)

Source: included with note

Ed Leach wasn't murdered on this island. He was living on Arnet Island at the time but was found dead in his boat, washed up on the shore of Stubbs/Clayoquot Island. No one knows where he was actually murdered; no one was ever convicted. Death certificate was issued August 30, 1927. (November 2004 advice from Tofino columnist Adrienne Mason)

Source: included with note