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GWENDOLYN BEARD Obituary
Gwen's roots run deep in Anacortes. Her father, Rev. Ralph Kirk Anderson, built the United Church of Christ at 28th and Commercial in 1926. He also built the parsonage across the street, where they lived during The Depression. That home is now an antique store.
Gwen graduated from Anacortes High School in 1933, and then completed a degree in music education at the University of Puget Sound. She married Robert ("Bob") Beard in 1938, who then returned with her to Anacortes to teach at the high school for a number of years.
Gwen taught English, Contemporary World Problems, and Chorus. She took students to New York City and Washington, D.C, and started the first model UN at Anacortes High. Between 1948 and 1952, her choirs numbered at least 100 singers--more than one-third of the entire student body. She also led after-school boys' quartets, community music performances, plays and musicals. After retirement, she continued choir directing at the First Methodist Church for many years.
As a teacher, Gwen was considered tough and demanding yet fair and compassionate. Many of her former students over the years have expressed their gratitude for the lasting impression Gwen's teaching has had upon their lives. She always had a hunger for life and learning, and she communicated this to everyone around her. She will be sorely missed.
David and Marilyn would like to express their deep appreciation for the loving care Gwen received during her residence at Fidalgo Care Center, especially Ed Robinson and caregivers Kelly, Colleen, and Dorothy.
A memorial service for Gwen will be held at the United Methodist Church, 2201 H Avenue, Anacortes, at 2:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 1, 2011. Donations in remembrance may be made to the church.
Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands.
To share memories of Gwen, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for GWENDOLYN BEARD
6 Entries
April 26, 2011
to the family this poem sounds like the Mrs. Beard I knew. She started me and helped me to grow with music. I happily send this to all of you and especially to you David. H. Nobles
When I listen closely, I hear a melody.
It is a soothing melody to cherish and carry for decades.
It swells my breast and trickles down and down.
It lingers within me and descends deep into my soul.
My heart springs forward and I taste that delicious melody.
I start my day with music and at the end of the day I can rejoice in song.
What is this wonderful melody? It is my life, my all.
It is the essence of my happiness as it pulls and tugs on my heartstrings
I stretch myself and I become more vital when I hear my melody of life.
It is my melody of life, and mine alone to keep within my own presence.
My melodies change and challenge me with new thoughts and harmonies.
As my life changes and my needs change, so do these haunting melodies.
Sometimes they are strident and dissonant, other times filled which harmony.
My own melodies can consume me as I listen to their sounds.
Sometimes pounding, sometimes reflective, they are mine.
They pull me into a trance, covering and protecting and guiding me.
I know that this music mantel will enfold and wrap me in wonderful sounds
And for my soul, these sounds will mesmerize me all the days of my life.
Music completes me and provides harmony and balance for my space.
These are my special melodies that will live within me forever and forever.
I will become the music of life.
written by Helen Nobles Gurtner 2011
April 25, 2011
David,
Your Mother was a favorite of mine, tough but always thoughtful her of students.She once told me I disappointed her, for some stupid prank, because you David looked up to me. It stayed with me to today, can't say I remember the words of my other teachers. She was a positive influence. Best to you, paul webber
Helen Gurtner
April 25, 2011
Dear David,
It has been many years since I have seen you. I graduated way back in the 50's and I remember all of those wonderful times not only in the daily choir classes but also in the many plays and in the super concerts that she had us do so well. I always will remember many of the musical things she taught us and still apply them today. One more special event was when our class took part in the Northwest Music meeting (can't remember the exact title) but it was special to me. Your mom and I went to a home and listened to the fishermen sing their traditional songs to us. This was before very many tape recorders were around. I played them on the piano by ear and then we went back to school and wrote them and finally learned and sang them at this convention. Good memories. Helen Nobles Gurtner Hamilton Mt
Brian Worcester
April 24, 2011
I have thought of Mrs. Beard many Times over the years. She was a tough but fair teacher. One could not slide through her classes, because she required effort from her students. She tried so hard to help us realize our potentials. Teaching was her calling, and I was fortunate enough to have had her teach me.
Don Coughlin
April 24, 2011
David, as I have told you previously, your mother was more than a teaching influence in my life and the lives of many students we worked together with in choir and quartet during those wonderful years in her classes. She wrote the most substantive message in my yearbook than anyone else which was a challenge to work hard and prepare for the opportunities in life. It became my inspiration for the things accomplished over the past 60 years.
My last visit with her was precious and a blessing. She was greatly loved and respected. I only wish more young people could have enjoyed her teaching and personal affection as others and I did during those four years in her classes.
God bless you and the family!
Don
Carl Sundman
April 20, 2011
Thank you Mrs. Beard for you teaching of English and Shakesprer.
God be with you always,
Carl Sundman
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