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William Vardyan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Vardyan
Wendyn Aline Condon Anson
September 17, 2010
This was a kind, sensitive man and a wonderful teacher. We had him for English and Homeroom at the tiny Quantico Post High School in the mid-fifties. I have often wondered what happened to him, although his friends among the young officers had told me he had moved on. I am delighted to hear he had such a great career! May God bless him and hold him close--he was a good human being.
Wendyn Aline Condon Anson
Christopher Adams
December 19, 2008
I never had him as a teacher while at Van Horn, but it never mattered to him....the times he talked to me he was extremely selfless and helpful...even though he had an uncanny knack for making us "strain our brains"...We will never forget the impact he had on our lives.
Aleksander Mrdjenovic
March 27, 2008
Mr. Vardyan was my high school English teacher in 1968, so long ago! It's just happenstance that I found out about his passing today. He was an impeccable dresser and a perfectionist when it came to the use of the English language. What sticks in my mind is Mr. Vardyan donning his "Chaucer glasses" and introducing the class to Old English by reading passages from Chaucer. Occasionally, he would get a little impatient with us, his face would get flush red, accentuated by the white dress shirt that always appeared to be worn tightly halfway up his neck and the knot of his tie appeared to stick straight out. Inevitably, a big grin would flash on his face and all was back to normal. He will be sorely missed!!
Tom Ladek
December 30, 2007
Our deepest sympathies for our cousin's family. We were surprised at the news and feel Bill is in good hands.
jeff keal
December 30, 2007
I was lucky to have Mr. Vardyan as my Senior English teacher in 1978. I looked forward to his class each day. What an amazing personality! I still have clear memories from his class. To this day, I am thankful he laughed when I got in the room next to his and made sounds like I was the ghost of Banquo when his next class started. I hope his family can be comforted with the knowledge that he touched so many lives in a positive way.
Diana
December 27, 2007
I want to extend my sympathy to Mr. Vardyan's family. What an awesome man he was! I graduated from Van Horn in 1965 and although I did not have Mr. Vardyan as a teacher, I remember his wonderful, beautiful, handsome smile and his grace and sincerity. We were blessed to have him as a member of our faculty, for he left a lasting, positive impression on many, many young people. God bless him!
Bruce Clark
December 27, 2007
Of all of the teachers I've had over the years, high school and college, Mr Vardyan was the best. The man was able to make English interesting which was a feat in itself. Some of my favorite high school memories are of him. I'm sad to hear of his passing.
Christopher Hobbs
December 27, 2007
Mr. Vardyan was indeed a memorable figure: who could ever forget the ever-present smile, the crisp white shirt - red tie - snappy sport coat, and the razor wit?! The lessons he taught made an enduring impression that easily placed him in my personal top-three educators. Only one of those three are left - a college professor.
Mr. Vardyan's final lesson to me? Call that professor who also made a difference, and let her know how much her efforts were appreciated.
In his next life, I trust Mr. Vardyan will be enjoying his 'intellectual exercises in mental gymnastics' with higher powers.
Debra Linkhart
December 23, 2007
I am shocked by the sudden death of Mr. Vardyan. I moved out of the area of Kansas City, his home, and have lived in Estes Park, CO since October 1999.
I was just getting ready to call him and wish him well and my friend wrote to me of his passing.
He was my Spanish and English teacher at Van Horn High School in 1976 and 1977. Every year after that he used to take myself and a few friends out to dinner and we had such a great time!
His laughter was contagious and I am very very sad and shaken by his death.
He will be greatly missed.
Live life well. We never know how much time we have left.
My sincerest condolences to the family and all who knew and loved him.
May God embrace him always and may he find peace and harmony. He will always be in my heart.
Debbie Linkhart
Estes Park, CO
[email protected]
Anna Marie Tutera
December 23, 2007
I’d like to say just a few words about my uncle Bill who was not only my uncle, but also my mentor and first teacher. During grade school and high school, I spent countless evenings at his home studying while he tutored me in English, Math, Science, History, and French. He would always make me a big meal and then we’d sit down together in the kitchen, drinking coffee with lots of sugar, and tackling multiple academic projects. Sometimes, we’d stay up until the wee hours of the morning editing and rewriting papers until we reached perfection. I have such fond memories of those days together. Undoubtedly, from him, I gained my fundamental love of learning and language. He was a brilliant man who had a passion for academic rigor and the beauty of poetry. He was also a compassionate man, a dedicated and diligent caretaker, and a creative spirit who valued his faith, made his family a priority, and upheld his convictions with reason and wit.
About a year ago, in California, I met a woman from Kansas City who was in her forties. Once I discovered that she attended Van Horn high school, I proudly asked her if she knew my uncle Bill. Her eyes lit up and she was thrilled to tell me that he was her teacher, and how he transformed her life, gave her confidence, and inspired her to pursue an English major in college. This story is not rare. Uncle Bill impacted the lives of thousands of students. And, his greatest joy was bearing witness to a student’s growth and development of self-worth and self-expression through language and the written word.
My uncle Bill set an example of strength, courage, and commitment, and through his actions he defined for us what it truly means to be a family. We are so grateful to have had him in our lives. My aunts, uncles, and mother were so proud to call him their brother. And, my sister and I were honored to call him our uncle.
Patsy Ladek-Boggan
December 23, 2007
I am deeply saddened by the death of my cousin, Bill. His heart was large enough to hold his entire family very dear and he showed it in his every day life. As he requested the best of his students, he gave his best to God, Family, and Friends. I will miss you, Bill. I'll keep in touch with everyone at the Big House.
Art Lessard /TWA-Los Angeles/
December 21, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the family of Bill Vardyan. I trust that your cherished memories, love, and prayer will ease your sorrow during this very difficult period. Psalm 23
Michele (Heine) Anderson
December 21, 2007
Mr. Varydan was an extremely special teacher. He certainly made time in Senior English (1971),a memorable time with his passion for teaching and unique humor. Class was never dull! My sympathies to his loving family.
Mark Maddox
December 20, 2007
I know Bill was the hub of your family and will be dearly missed by you and all who knew him. I always looked forward to seeing Bill, and having him share his humor and wit as only he could express so well. I am greatly saddened to hear of your loss, and pray that the Lord will comfort you in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.
Pamela (Lay) Charles
December 20, 2007
Mr Vardyan was a wonderful teacher and a great person. I will never forget the great classics of literature that were required reading for his English classes. My sympathy goes to his family.
Cary Hampton
December 20, 2007
There could be no better example of a person's love and care for a family than that of Bill Vardyan. I will remember his dedication for his family and his gift of laughter. These gifts are yours to cherish forever. I extend my thoughts, prayers and love to all of the Vardyan family during this time of loss. Cary Hampton
Jim Blau
December 20, 2007
Mr. Vardyan was the most impeccable dresser for a high school teacher I ever met. He was proud of his style fashion and used to talk about it during class. He impressed upon the guys to look neat. He also took us to see "2001 Space Oddessey" I think at the Midland downtown. Pretty cool for high school back then. My sympathy to the family.
Michael Prine
December 20, 2007
Bill Vardyan was a mentor, a friend and a kindred spirit. He was my Spanish language instructor during my sophomore year at Van Horn (1970-71) and my friend throughout my years there. I have very fond memories of him that will never diminish. I can hear his bombastic voice in my mind as I write this. Your loss is mine, the community's and the world's. My most sincere condolences.
Terry Lauderdale
December 20, 2007
A loss of a great teacher and a very good man. He will be missed. May the Good Lord watch over his family.
Cheryl McAfee
December 20, 2007
Thanks to Mr. Vardyan, I can still recite Mark Antony's speech from Julius Caesar - in Spanish! He was flamboyant and dramatic and his class was one I always looked forward to. I remember him using money as bookmarks, and bills just fluttering out of his pockets. He's always been at the top of the list of my favorite teachers.
Julie Terry Toomire
December 20, 2007
I was sad at reading of Mr. Vardyan's passing. I have very fond memories of his English class my senior year. He definitely challenged me to be the best I could be and always smiled while he did it. He is a part of my high school years I will never forget. May he rest in peace.
Sue (Thomas) Bernard
December 20, 2007
Mr. Vardyan was my Junior English teacher in 1961/62. He was one of two of my favorite teachers during my years at Van Horn. He was always willing to help and you just wanted to do well in his class. He was truly a wonderful person and always a positive attitude. May God bless all of you during this very difficult time.
Alice Morton
December 20, 2007
Mr. Vardyan was my teacher for several classes at Van Horn. He wanted your best. If you did your best, he honored you, and always had a smile. I'm shure to meet him again, with the other wonderful souls I've known through life. He will always be a blessing.
Michael Neece
December 20, 2007
His English class assignments were tough but the high standards he required were indicative of the standards he imposed upon himself. He was a short chapter in my life but a very important one.
Kerry Fleming
December 20, 2007
Mr Vardyan was my favorite teacher and made a big difference in my life. I graded papers for him and he went to great lengths to assist me with a term paper. He was vibrant and enthusiastic and I will always have a place in my heart for his memory. I join you in your grief the world has lost a great individual.
Cynthia Intelmann
December 20, 2007
He was a teacher of mine at Van Horn High School - I thought he was fantastic, as a teacher and as a person he was always smiling. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Jeff Steinkamp
December 20, 2007
Mr Vardyan was a demanding educator who taught me how to think critically about ideas.
Mike & JoAnn Frechin
December 20, 2007
Mike and I are very sad for your loss. Rose Mary Frechin sends her love and sympathy to all of you.
Gary Loucks
December 20, 2007
I worked with Mr. Vardyan at Van Horn. He was a good man and a demanding teacher. His students respected and appreciated him. He will be missed.
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