Monte J. "Willie" Willardsen

I think it was 1973 when Mr. Willardsen was my 5th grade teacher. I have the best memories of music, fun and being seen and accepted by an adult. He was a standout in teachers for me, one of the teachers that I think about and smile. I wish there were more teachers out there like him.

I have many fond memories of Mr Willardsen and was blessed to have him as a teacher in both 5th and then 6th grade at Bella Vista Elementary school (about 48 years ago) playing all kinds of music and instruments, especially teaching us to be kind. I loved his grin that seemed to be on his face all the time and his shining eyes when he talked to you. He was my favorite teacher! Everyone should experience a teacher like him. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thank you Mr. Willardsen for being a great teacher! I remember years later Meeting up with him as he visited his father at the Retirement Inn at Cottonwood Creek. A good man!

Our heart felt condolences go to the Willardsen family. Having both parents blessed with musical talents, Monte was gifted to say the least! How he loved teaching & seeing the light that comes on when a concept was acquired. We are sure the Beck & Willardsen families are having a wonderful reunion with singing & remembering this earth life. We will see you Thursday. Love to you all, Susan Beck Taylor, Brent Taylor & family

We knew Sandy and Monte from Symphonic. They were great folks, the kind of people you respect for their demeanor and kindness towards others. Our condolences to the family. Phyllis and Dave Polster

A truly fine man who helped me immensely as I tried to fill the enormous shoes of his father as conductor of the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir.

4 of my five daughters were his students at Bella Vista 6 th grade. They all had glowing comments about their year with him. Even the 57 year old says he had a lasting influence on her. Another remembers learning to play the harpsichord. He enriched the lives of innumerable children. What a fine legacy for a gifted teacher!

Mr Willardsen was my favorite teacher at Bella Vista His love for his students was amazing. I remember the day he had someone bring a Tarantula to class. I was crazy enough to hold it. . And the different instruments he would bring to class and teach us about them and let us play them. Mr Willardsen was the teacher you never forgot or wished you could always have.

Mr. Willardsen was my 6th grade teacher at Bella Vista. He was a great teacher. I remember we had a ping pong table in the classroom and all the students would circle around it and each get a turn to play.