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Allen Bardwell Obituary
Gene was born on October 19, 1925 in St. Louis, MO. He joined the Army in World War II at age 18 and served as a squadron leader throughout Germany. His only sibling, Addis Bardwell, was killed in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war Gene played trumpet in his band "The Franc Notes," entertaining the US troops in Germany. Through the years he would proudly wear a WWII cap, and maintained the self-discipline he learned in the Army by doing regular exercise, which helped keep him strong and active to the age of 85.
Gene married the one love of his life, Annette Tilson Bardwell, on June 15, 1948. Early in their marriage, he completed in two years time a 4-year college degree in Industrial Psychology at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. Gene and Annette raised three daughters - Diane, Marsha, and Joy, and music was central to their family life. Gene also played the violin, Annette was a concert pianist and they both had beautiful voices. The girls grew up singing in harmonies with their parents. Gene's beloved wife passed away after 40 years of marriage, and he never remarried.
Gene was a mechanical engineer, an inventor with a number of patents for cable drilling tools. He was President of his own company for many years, Trident Tool Inc., a manufacturing company in Front Royal, until he retired. He enjoyed living in the home he and his wife designed together, situated at the top of High Knob Mountain, and felt blessed to have such a spectacular view of the Shenandoah River Valley.
A small family service was held at Greenfield Retreat near his home, according to his wishes, followed by a large memorial reception. He is survived by his three daughters and their husbands, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Gene will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends throughout the country.
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Memories and Condolences
for Allen Bardwell
Rigo Muniz
October 9, 2011
The very first time I met him we were in communion with God and he made a profound impression in my heart and soul. His peaceful presence and words of wisdom will be sorely missed.
Allen Schmidt
March 27, 2011
Dear Marsha and Family,
I only met Gene Bardwell this past summer, but he deeply impressed me with his wisdom, humility, and the personal connection that he made. I had questions to ask him about my spiritual practice and he had wonderful answers. But what was surprising, he started by telling me something about himself, including that he was a businessman and about the diet he followed in the business world. My son, who was not present, had those same questions and was concerned about his diet, since he was just starting in the business world and the job involves traveling. i told my son the answers and he was very satisfied that his unasked questions were answered. I say Mr. Bardwell later and (if memory is correct) introduced him to the family members that were present.
Mr. Bardwell (I asked him how he wanted to be addressed, and he simply replied that Gene was fine) is a wonderful soul, and I consider it a privilege to have met him. He will be dearly missed, but I am sure that he is in a great place!
Allen Schmidt
Ralph Tracy
February 26, 2011
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Bardwell twice when he came to lead our Montreal group's Fall retreats at Manoir d'Youville. I loved hearing his stories and the insightful thoughts of this great man. He will always be remembered as a humble, devout disciple. I feel blessed to have been allowed to meet him, listen to him, shake his hand, and just be in his presence.
Cheryl Larrier
February 19, 2011
Gene's interpretations of Paramahansa Yogananda's writings were always inspiring. His tireless efforts traveling up and down the East Coast were greatly appreciated. His great smile and warm heart will always be remembered.
Diane Berkstresser
February 19, 2011
Dear Bardwell family,
I will always remember Gene's visits to Princeton; his tremendous dedication to sharing his wisdom with others, and the long drives he made from Front Royal to do so. He was/ is a true spiritual giant. His presence will, most assuredly missed by all.
May you find comfort in the memories that you share, and peace in that special bittersweet joy in his release.
With deepest sympathy for your
loss.
In divine friendship,
Diane Berkstresser
Linda Lewis
February 7, 2011
Dear Marsha and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I shall always remember his rich voice and the lovely harmony when joined with yours singing carols and chants and what a gentle soul he was.
Marietta Gittens
February 5, 2011
Thank you so much for the example of your life and for playing such a great part in drawing me to this country.
IML,
Marietta
Art and Marianne Ellis
February 5, 2011
Dear Marsha and Family,
Our deepest sympathies and love to you all. Gene emanated spirituality and dignity. We are blessed that we knew him.
Joy and love,
Art and Marianne
February 4, 2011
Dear Marsha,
Gene was like a spiritual father to us. He will always be near and dear to our hearts, so we are as one.
with much love and joy.
Lyvonne' & Robert
Trisha Hand
February 2, 2011
I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you
Dan Masys
February 2, 2011
Gene once mentioned that he had met Charles Lindbergh in person, and that Lindbergh had "that look of the eagle" - a soul whose vision, depth of understanding and awareness seemed to be not of this world, but centered in some higher realm of consciousness. Lindbergh must have been a kindred spirit, since Gene Bardwell had that look of the eagle also: for Gene it was a simple, friendly demeanor that thinly veiled a spiritual giant. Gene was a pilot and inspired me to become one also. Now he and Annette are soaring in supernal joy, on gossamer wings of bliss. They have dissolved in the same Light and Love for which they were such open and inspiring channels here on earth. Bravo!
Marie Martin
February 2, 2011
I am deeply sorry for your loss!! Gene was a very sweet person with a heart of gold I helped out at Trident Tool several years ago making sales calls. But he is in a better place and I am sure he and your mother are walking hand in hand.
Prudence Mathews
February 2, 2011
I have happy memories of Gene and Annette from the days we worked in the same office building in Front Royal. They were both lovely people genuinely devoted to their family.
My deepest sympathy to each of you.
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