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BORN
1950
DIED
2015
William Bardsley Obituary
Walnut Creek
William Leonard Bardsley was born on October 24, 1950 in Pittsburg California to Norma and Leonard Bardsley. He was brother to Patricia and Nora, father to Leslie and Ryan, and husband to Marianne.
As an artist, his talents were unmatched. With nothing more than a Sharpie pen, a straight edge, and some drafting paper, he would create extraordinary scenes that defined a space, with life and perspective so that others could see and understand. To see his talent at work was an awe inspiring experience.
There is no doubt he left an indelible impression on all those who had the opportunity to know him. He had a playful sense of humor, he was a wonderful storyteller, and had a love and compassion for animals. Above all, the love and nurturing he gave to us, his kids, stands as his most important gift.
Our dad was a beautiful, gentle, complex being, and to express our feelings in the confines of an obituary, like many people know, is a difficult task. But to that, we each have our own thoughts and memories of Bill and it is those recollections that we will call upon and discover in time, on our own journeys.
Bill Bardsley passed away Friday, April 3rd, 2015.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bardsley
Sponsored by East Bay Times.
Jozef
May 2, 2024
Thinking of you, Mr. Billster...
Jozef Ulbrik
May 5, 2021
Miss you, my friend ☮
Jozef Ulbrik
September 30, 2015
Mister Billster, I don't want to believe you are gone.
Only memories remain... of your kindness, generosity and of your genius.
Memories of late nights in the office or long weekend at the beach house, memories of enjoying together jack russells, martinis and classic cars... anywhere and everywhere.
Peace...
Paul Steelman
September 11, 2015
It was a very sad today, I learned of Bill's passing..I wish I could have attended any of the tributes to Bill's life. More than ever I had wished that I had more contact with him over the last 10 years. Bill was the greatest sketch artist architect/ designer in the world. Bill completed thousands of sketches for my firm from when I started my business in 1987 to 10 years ago. Each of those sketches were always bold striking examples of great design and illustration. Bill was a rare designer who understood scale. Bill was an expert in shaping a space. Bill also had a photographic knowledge of every architectural style. I always thought that I would read that Bill had designed the Tesla or The IPHONE. Bill was an incredible talent.
Bill loved people and loved the team approach to any major design project. Bill's personal life might have been somewhat controversial, but give him a design assignment and magic happened.
I have missed Bill for the last 10 years and now sadly I will miss him forever. I still am blessed to have known and worked with Bill for many years. I will remember all of these great designs and the happiness he created for his colleagues and for the people who utilized his spaces. I will never forget that smile when he drew that first line of a masterpiece. Bill you will be sadly missed.
Paul Steelman
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Steve Sue
September 10, 2015
Bill was the King. I begged him to teach me how to draw. He told me to come hangout at his studio and draw with him. I arrived on a Monday and he said, "OK, we got 26 sketches to do by Thursday... you take 6, I'll do the rest..." I couldn't draw perspective, especially big one like 5'x3' so he laid out sketches with sharpies and I added detail. First drawing I did myself, he said, "Great! Let's send it" then he pulled out a knife and cut it up into 8" strips... I was mortified. But then he put the strips into a continuous feed fax machine and sent it to Vegas where people on that end would re-assemble them and paint over our lines.
A year later we were running back and forth to Vegas every month. Two years after that he retired and left the clients to little ol me... big shoes to fill and my feet were still small.
But the bigger part of Bill was his heart. He took me in. Showed me the ropes. Then he thought me about how to live large in Vegas. Wow what a ride.
So it's a sad day as the world has lost one of the greats. Both in talent and heart.
Thanks Bill for being my friend, my mentor and an absolute shining star.
Paul Allard
August 21, 2015
Bill was a "one of a kind" person, and my life is better for meeting him, working with him, and knowing him. Genius is a too often used description these days, but it applies to Bill. The world has lost one of the preeminent architectural sketch artists. Bill's ability to convey complex concepts in a few quick strokes was amazing. Bill himself was complex - creative, funny and kind. I will miss him.
"We didn't get much done today, but we'll go like hell tomorrow."
Brad Conversano
August 20, 2015
Bill was a mentor and colleague of mine. He worked for my father Henry Conversano for many years during The 70's and 80's. The office designed some of the premier Casinos in the industry. Bill was one of the senior designers and one of the most gifted and important visionaries in the office. To me, a High School student who dreamed of being a great artist, Bill was a genius. I idolized him. I can't express how much I was influenced and awed by Bills talent, vision, energy and spirit. He taught me so much about design creativity....but more specifically, architectural rendering. To me his rendering style - with it's strong, confident and graphic nature is the benchmark for the art. Bill's abilities were so good, with a few strokes he could make almost nothing look like a masterpiece. As I wright this I'm looking at a copy of one of Bill's renderings which I keep on my wall. I often use it to inspire me when I need a spark, but mostly it is just pleasing to my eye and brings back great memories of Bill and that time. I was blessed to work along side him for several years and see him create some of his work. To work with him was a joy, but to spend time with him out of the office was even better. Bill was one of the funniest people I've ever known. He had a similar genius for comedy as he did for art. So many memories of bill making all of the office gang laugh for hours. I miss his unique spirit, energy and sense of humor. I will remember and admire him forever. Brad Conversano
Timothy Jackson
May 5, 2015
Bill was a great friend through High school. When your friends are so important in getting you started in the right direction in life. I had great fun and learned about hard work. From swim team workouts to helping with chores at his house to doing Cheer squad stunts. We were goofy and loved life. The hardest English class at Clayton Valley we took was from his mom. She made some great food for us after school! I am sorry that we were unable to keep in touch in our adult life. Happy to know his kids loved him and that he was a great Dad. God bless you all.- Tim Jackson
Sheila Cordray
May 4, 2015
Bill was so very nice and I only wish I had got to know more about him when I had the chance. We graduated from High School the same year.
Larry Daly
May 4, 2015
Bill was a kind gentle person. I attended the same schools and many of the same classes as did Bill. May he rest in peace and may the Lord be with him and his family. I just drove by the home on Pine Hollow Road that he lived in when we were in high school and pointed it out to my wife and mentioned that my high school friend once lived there not knowing of his passing. Larry Daly
Ken Perry
May 4, 2015
I knew Bill in High School and graduated the same year. Very sorry for your loss.
Ellen Findlay Herdegen
May 3, 2015
I remember Bill well from Clayton Valley High School in Concord. Class of 1969. I send my love and condolences to his family and friends.
May 3, 2015
Bill was my cousin
Bill and I were close growing up but lost touch over the years.
Aunt Norma and I would meet for lunch and catch up on family. Bill was always a topic of conversation.
Bill will always be in my heart.
Trudie Douthit Miller. 94513
Pat
May 3, 2015
Very sorry for the loss of your dear one. May you have the love and comfort that comes from our Heavenly Father to help you in this time of sorrow. Phillipians 4:6,7
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