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William Gardner Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Gardner
Rick and Annette Whitaker
February 12, 2011
Bill was an unforgetable guy and a real leader. I was honored to have known Bill during the past years living in BBV, and so very glad that I finally (after a bit of nudging) joined his Thursday and Friday music groups. The music leadership has been a real treat over the past 1-1/2 years, but the the real lesson I got from Bill was the example he set through the ordeal of his ALS battle,such a great attitude towards life, and keeping a sense of humour right till the end. I wish we had more teachers like him!
February 9, 2011
What I remember of Bill was that we were born on the same day and that our fathers, Jack and Howard, were good friends and were looking for each other that day to tell of the good news. Sharon Johnstone
February 7, 2011
Bill was an amazing and patient teacher. With his encouragement I finally am enjoying playing the recorder.
He amazed me with his grace in living to the fullest throughout his journey with ALS. It was an honor to cook and play recorder for Bill and to play the music he selected during the celebration of his life. Love and Prayers for his family.Janet Burke
Karen Kelly - Skahan
February 6, 2011
I'll always remember Mr. Gardner as one of my favorite teachers at Sehome. He always made us laugh and appreciate literature by his crazy antics! He would jump up on tables to get our attention. RIP and God Bless to his family. You know how blessed your were to have him in your lives!
February 4, 2011
Krista, Leo and I enjoyed reading about your Dad. He sounds like a remarkable man. Our sympathy to you and your entire family. Sincerely, Leo and Judy Shelton,
Bellevue, WA
Margaret & Bruce Prior
February 4, 2011
We were honored to share music sessions toward the very end of Bill's life. Even then, he could lead an ensemble and crack jokes. Our live music helped Bill keep perspective during his final days, but we also enjoyed playing with him. Whenever we pick up our recorders, we will remember our finest mentor.
Mari-Lon (Green) Waid
February 4, 2011
I know he will be missed by all who knew him and loved him. I know I could always count on Bill's help at Sehome High.
February 3, 2011
Bill was such a bright light for me at SHS... always had a smile and a word of encouragement... It was a pleasure to know him... truly!!! I only regret that I didn't learn to play the recorder with him after school... what a giving man
Jeff Clark
February 2, 2011
Bill allowed me to start my career in education as a student teacher in his classroom at Sehome. He liked to eat an apple for lunch. He showed me how to lead a classroom discussion by asking questions and thinking on his feet. He laughed so hard at Dave Peebles' jokes in the faculty lunchroom that he would spit little bits of apple across the room. He took Helen and me sailing on our first date, and then presided at our wedding. He was a gem!
DIXIE HICKEY
February 2, 2011
Jack & Bonnie and there children(Bill Nancy,Ida) were our neighbors when they lived on Lynn St. Our families were close.
all us kids use to play together,go fishing at our summer home on Lummi Island.Bill was the oldest and was kinda the one that kept all us younger ones in line .we loved him dearly.I have very fond memories of the Gardner family our Sympathy and prayers go to Bill,s Family and his sister Nancy & Family
Dixie Franklin Hickey
February 2, 2011
Solace and sweet memories to all of you. Our SoCal kids tell their kids about catching and cooking crabs on the shore of Birch Bay. Marti remembers an Orange County hairdresser exclaiming with scissors flying, "Mr. Gardner was my best teacher ever!" Gary recalls following Bill's strong lead into the Sierra Nevada with 60lb. packs and thirty teenagers. What a phenomenal pied piper! love, Gary & Marti Barmore
cheryl blackburn
February 2, 2011
May comfort be yours, Bill married Joel and I almost 16 years ago. We will always remember him!
John Salstrom
February 2, 2011
Thank you Mr. Gardner for sharing your passion of literature with us. I will never forget you standing on your desk reading Beowulf and Macbeth in a booming voice to capture and maintain our attention. It was great!
Rest in peace.
Sue Richmond
February 1, 2011
Susan and family
I worked at Semiahmoo Marina for several years and met both of you there. It was such pleasure, on many occassions, to just chat with you both.
The laughter and fun that we shared was memorable.
Please take good care as you journey forward.
God bless.
Richard&Eileen Studebaker
February 1, 2011
The thread of Bill life is woven though 30 years in our lives – as a colleague at Sehome, sailing on Bellingham Bay before we got our own sailboat, as a teacher of our recorder class, the reverend for my wedding, as a sf/fantasy lover who got us reading it, and as an amazing teacher who enjoyed his students and his work. He deeply lived every moment of this precious life. With gratitude and love, we honor your time with us.
Jon Lindhout
February 1, 2011
RIP Mr. Gardner. You were my teacher at Sehome and as a freshman you and your great sense of humor made my first year of High School great. All the best to the family.
Terry Holmes
January 30, 2011
Mr. Gardner was my English/Creative Writing teacher at Sehome from 1978 thru 1981. He greatly encouraged my creative writing and and I fondly remember his antics, and the freindly jibes we shared. He knew my fondness for Harley's & the biker lifestyle, and it gave me great pleasure in 1984 to roar up outside his classroom on my Sportie. When my lil' sis attended Sehome, I'd stop by just to poke my head in his class & say hi.
Mr. Gardner was my favorite teacher & held a special place in my heart.
My prayers & thoughts are with his family.
Rest in peace Mr. Gardner,
"Terry the Tramp"
Paul Rohrbach
January 30, 2011
I grew up spending Summers at Birch Bay where my family became good friends with Bill, Susan and the girls. I will always remember Bill's smile and fantastic attitude towards life.
Later in life when it was time to get married, my wife Diane and I were blessed to have Bill officiate at our wedding. He taught us both some very important lessons that we follow to this day...
Thank you Bill for all the wonderful hours sailing, life's lessons and most of all, your friendship.
God Bless You, Bill
Pat and Dan James
January 30, 2011
We first met Bill and Susan in 1973 when we sailed into Birch Bay Marina. Bill was kind, helpful, fun - just a great person as is his wife, Susan. May you rest in peace Bill. Pat and Dan James
Ray & Lillian (Weaver) Smith
January 30, 2011
Our memory of Bill dates to his campus years here at Wheaton (IL) College where he was a popular young man well balanced between academics and sports as a varsity football player on several championship teams. Lillian and I got to know Bill as one of my mother-in-law's student landscapers and Mrs. Charles Weaver always spoke well of Bill's diligence and warm personality. In fact, the brick walkway that Bill and his roommate, Bruce Whipple, installed at the Weaver home remained intact for over a generation. It will be my reluctant honor to convey the news of Bill's Homegoing to his classmates even as Lillian and I join them in extending our deepest sympathy to Sue and the Gardner family.
jacquie salas
January 30, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Mark Ryan
January 30, 2011
Mr. Gardner was my English teacher at Sehome High School in the 90's. I remember him being a fun and colorful teacher, and always enjoyed his classes. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Mr. Gardner, you are one of the good ones!
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