William E. Gatchell Jr.

Mr Gatchell was the best teacher in classical junior high for sure! Bless him forever

I was just thinking of Mr Gatchell a few weeks ago, he made a profound difference in setting me on a lifelong career path and I wished I had a way to thank him for his time at LHS. My condolences to his family, he is missed by his students.

My sincere condolences to the Gatchell family.

Imagine walking in the hallway of Buckingham Junior High School at the beginning of seventh grade and hearing a big, booming voice say your name. That was my introduction to Bill, he was a friend of my oldest brother, he knew me but I didn´t know him. That was the beginning of a long friendship. Whenever my family and I returned for a visit, we always tried to find time to see Bill and Ellen. He will be missed.

I knew Bill very well...beginning when our family moved in across the street from the Gatchell family in August 1972. We´ve remained friends ever since. Smart, gracious, well read, generous, loyal to his family, and deeply in love with Ellen...are my first thoughts of this good, decent man. He´ll be missed, but his goodness is reflected in his three sons.

To all you students and friends who express kind thoughts...you touch our hearts. Thank you. And to you who know who you are, my brothers and I used to hear from you on the chairlifts at Branford. You would say the kindest things about our dad as your teacher. You made us feel famous, and important, and loved. Thank you, again. We love you for being such a good part of our lives and the life of our dad.

Carl, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Carl, my condolences to you and your family.

As an LHS colleague as both teacher and administrator, I valued Bill´s positive presence and the impact he had on so many. His passion in support of his students was most noteworthy. So many of us are better off having engaged with Bill. Condolences and prayers. Dan Lynch