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Michael Waldorf
November 11, 2023
Bill was one of the most influential teachers I ever had. He believed in me which gave me the confidence I needed to succeed and thrive. What a incredible man!
Sandy Wheeler
July 19, 2022
Yes, Bill was a great teacher. He learned how to be a great teacher. He was born a great human being. And it´s that person I miss.
I think of you often as I pass your art hanging in my hallway.
I am lucky to have known you.
Michelle Phillips-Trademan
April 6, 2011
I was a student at Palmetto MANY years ago & Mr McCreary was my favorite teacher! I have so many wonderful memories about him and how he taught his classes. We would come in after lunch and he'd take our food/chip bags, read the ingredients & tell us all what we'd all croak from...everyone loved it! He connected to his students in a way I've never experienced with another teacher my whole life. I was a very insecure teenager that was very tall in high school. He told me about how more success came to tall people & I've always carried his kind words with me. He said it with so much conviction that I started to believe myself after awhile. I'm sorry I didn't get to tell him in person what an amazing impact he made in my life, but I'd like to let his family know that he was truly a very special teacher to many & to myself, even after all these years (graduated 1982). Thanks so much - Michelle Phillips-Trademan (Chicago, IL)
November 14, 2010
My most sincere sympathy for your tremendous loss. Best Teacher ever doesn't begin to express how much Mr. McCreary meant to me and very many others. He taught me to believe in myself. He demanded a lot, but gave so much more. The drawing he gave me as a wedding present has always been cherished. Suzy Dixon Estes (Austin. Tx).
Nora Cooper
August 6, 2010
Mr. McCreary touched the lives of many and will always be remembered as a truly special, giving man.
Linda Alvarez
August 1, 2010
I once had a boss who told me that no one was irreplaceable. That is not true. Bill was one of a kind and will live on in my heart and the hearts of all who knew him. Some people take in stray animals; Bill and Carol took in stray people and made them a part of the family. I was one of those. An invitation to dinner after my husband, Ron Vann, died led to a lasting friendship. Godspeed, Bill.
Ellen Siegel
August 1, 2010
Bill was the quintessential teacher, sharing delight and enthusiasm for our beloved park. I will miss him roving, and joking around at training. His memory is a gift to us all. Thoughts and prayers to Carol, and the family. Ellen Siegel (park volunteer)
Marissa (Maland) Gurdian
July 31, 2010
Mr. McCreary was magic. Unconventional, exuberant, brilliant, and kind, he taught with feeling, stories, and a great deal of experience -- while the textbook was there for reference, Mr. McCreary commanded the lesson. Because of him, I went on to major in Environmental Science in college and later study environmental law. I think of Mr. McCreary whenever I buy produce (he said Chilean grapes were laden with pesticides), boil rice (anything that floats to the top is rat excrement!), and see a beautiful nature photograph (what a treat it was to receive one of the printed photos he'd casually dispense as a hall pass). He was one of the best people I've ever known, a gentleman through and through.
Dina Vann
July 30, 2010
Ahhh, Bill. To say that he was a character is an understatement. And he had incredible character and personality to complete the package. His knowledge wasn't limited to any one subject; the world was his study hall. I thank God for him and for Carol for helping Mom after Dad's passing. Carol, I know you have friends who will be as wonderful to you as you were to Mom. And I couldn't have asked for a better "partner in crime" than Bill in helping Mom find her way to Charlie. Thanks, Bill! I hope your new Everglades bring you as much joy as the ones here on earth did.
July 30, 2010
Mr Mac was not only my favourite teacher, but the most influential teacher in my life. He did so much for my self esteem and really taught me so much about my stengths as a person. I was one of his teachers aides in 1983, and I really believe that if I had not had him in my life during that period of time, my life would have turned out very differently. I know it was certainly so much richer for knowing him.
My heartfelt condolences to his family- I can only imagine what you are feeling, but he will always be a part of you, and so many others who's lives he touched.
RIP Mr Mac- you were a great, great man.
Carmen Raynor Miami Palmetto "83
July 30, 2010
Mr. McCreary a teacher that made a difference in my life the one teacher I will always remember. My thoughts go out to his family .
Dianna Golson Palmetto High 1983
ERIN MCCREARY
July 30, 2010
TO MY FATHER
MY EVERY BREATH IS WITH YOU BECAUSE OF THE LOVE THAT WE SHARDED TOGETHER. BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT LIFE HAS PRECIOUS MOMENTS AND SHOULD BE SHARED WITH LOVE ONES. NOW I TAKE TIME TO SAY EVERY BREATH THAT I TAKE, AND EVERY THROUGHT WILL ALWAYS BRING MEMORIES TO MY HEART AND I WILL LIVE MY LIFE WITH YOU ALWAYS IN MY THROUGHTS .WITH TIME GOD WILL MEND OUR BROKEN HEARTS BECAUES OF THE LOVE YOU BROUGHT INTO OUR LIVES. I LOVE YOU DADDY.........
Ann Boccumini Hunter
July 29, 2010
Wow, this makes me so sad...I graduated from Palmetto High in 1980. I too have thought about Mr. McCreary through the years. I had him for Oceanography as well, he was a wonderful teacher. I remember him giving us an in-depth lecture on what would happen if Miami were hit with a strong hurricane, tidal surges etc...Boy I thought of him alot after Hurricane Andrew. He was so down to earth and yes extremely funny as well! My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Godspeed Mr. McCreary, thanks so much for the life lessons! Ann Boccumini Hunter
Wayne DeAngeli
July 29, 2010
Carol and family,
We had the great pleasure to be your neighbors for several years on Pan American Drive. Bill will be missed by all of us in the DeAngeli Family.
Jacqueline Belisle
July 29, 2010
Mr. McCreary was the reason I became a teacher. I had him for A.P. Environmental Science at Palmetto Sr. High School. He called me "the blond" which is what he called a lot of us A1A students. The world is truly a better place for him having been in it. He was an inspiration as a teacher and as a person. The passes he wrote on pictures of the everglades were amazing.
Cecelia Hartney
July 29, 2010
My prayers and thoughts are with you in your great loss of Bill. He was an inspiration to all. He certainly lighted up Palmetto Sr. High with his wonderful humor and personality. It was a pleasure to work with him for so many years at Miami Palmetto.
God Bless
Cecelia Luksa Hartney
Jeff Croucher
July 28, 2010
I have thought about Bill often since I graduated from Palmetto in '94.. He truly was an inspiration to me.
After having him as a teacher in Oceanography, it was through his suggestion that I pursued a degree from Texas A&M in that science and later a career in coastal mapping which has allowed me to see the world. I can honestly say I wouldn't be where I am today without his mentoring.
To Bill's family, my deepest sympathy for your loss. His was a kind and caring soul, and I am a better person today because of him.
Thank you, Bill. I will never forget you.
Diana Serna
July 28, 2010
Dear McCreary Family....
I want to thank you for sharing Mr. McCreary with my family and I. I had the extreme gift of meeting Mr. McCreary during my Perrine Khoury League where he taught so many of us about true sportmanship - and what it meant to truly win. His zest for life, amazing laughter and witty jokes that he told that got anybody laughing no matter how much we lost the game by is what I will always carry in my heart. My deepest love and condolences to the McCreary family.
Misty Gore
July 28, 2010
I'm very sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out the McCreary family.
Jennifer Gall
July 28, 2010
Mr. McCreary was one of the best teachers ever. He will be missed.
The Hawn family
July 28, 2010
Dear Carol, Sean and Erin. We are so sadened to hear of Bill's passing. We have so many fun memories of our times together at Khoury League and the parties and socials we had. Bill was such a pleasant person to be with and you could tell he really loved the kids. We know you miss him but surely he is having a great reward for his generous and giving life. Our hearts and prayers are with the whole family. Dick and Carolyn Hawn
July 28, 2010
The McCreary Family:
I worked with Bill at Palmetto many years ago and will always remember his intense zeal for his subject and students. He touched many lives with his passion for life. Our sympathies go out to your family and friends.
Charles, Sheila & Hunter Harrison
July 28, 2010
Bill was more than a patient to me. Whenever he came in for hs cleanings or dental work we always got to talking about a myriad of subjects, but usually we got around to discussing his his art, which he was his passion. I will miss him greatly. I was stunned by his death because because he seemed bigger than life in so many ways. I offer you my deepest condolences.
Tayloe Perry
Bruce Barham
July 28, 2010
To all of Bill's dear family, friends, former colleagues and students in these difficult days, please think about how blessed we were to know this wonderful human being. Over the years of a life cut surprisingly short, Bill was an inspiration, a teacher to us all. He never had a discouraging word to say about anyone, always choosing to look at the positive while accepting or laughing along with the ironies and short comings around him.
Bill had wisdom in his approach to life as little seemed to bother him. After hurricane Andrew blew his Cutler Ridge home apart without complaint he stayed and rebuilt when others decided to leave. His love and dedication to his garden, his plants always around his home and to the natural beauty of South Florida were all a part of who Bill was and that why we loved him so.
He had a wealth of knowledge about the flora and fauna of the Everglades and cherished his time there while sharing that information and about the area’s biological history with school kids and park attendees who came to visit “The Park” after he retired from teaching school. His artwork displayed a remarkable intuition about the details of the nature of life he so loved. The complex yet the simple were so elegantly depicted for example in his drawings of the root systems of the mangroves. Bill explored the Florida Keys both below and above the surface of the oceans as a young man.
Bill seemed to enjoy the slower pace, the small that makes up the bigger picture. His automobile trips were taken off the beaten path not on the Interstate. Again he didn’t want to miss the details. Unassuming, Bill would surprise you. I remember that for many years he had an upright piano in his home. Then one evening at one of those large extended family dinners he sat down and played a riff like you’d hear in a jazz club.
For those who were fortunate to know Bill what we will miss now that he is gone is that we cannot ask him for his insights to the ‘nuts and bolts’ or intellectual as well as the emotional questions life poses. Bill was always there, always available. He had the answers that seemed obvious yet profound. What kind of fertilizer to revive a weak citrus tree or how to deal with the loss of a loved one, you could always ask Bill.
But I guess one could say that Bill’s true legacy to those close to him will always be the example he set with his love for Carol. Simply, they were inseparable. Later that boundless love expanded to include Sean and Erin, then Kelly, Mark, Todd and the grandchildren he so adored, Mason, Jake, Brody and Megan. Bill and Carol are always ‘on call’ for the family.
How gratified we should be to have had the opportunity to spend precious time and to learn life’s important lessons from Bill.
Bruce, Leda and Patrick Barham
Valerie
July 28, 2010
Mr McCreary was the greatest teacher I have had. He was very special to me and had help me through a rough time in my life and continued to be there for me even once I was through with high school. He is someone I will never forget. My condolences to the family.
Bruce, Leda & Patrick Barham
July 28, 2010
To all of Bill's dear family, friends, former colleagues and students in these difficult days, please think about how blessed we were to know this wonderful human being. Over the years of a life cut surprisingly short, Bill was an inspiration, a teacher to us all. He never had a discouraging word to say about anyone, always choosing to look at the positive while accepting or laughing along with the ironies and short comings around him.
Bill had wisdom in his approach to life as little seemed to bother him. After hurricane Andrew blew his Cutler Ridge home apart without complaint he stayed and rebuilt when others decided to leave. His love and dedication to his garden, his plants always around his home and to the natural beauty of South Florida were all a part of who Bill was and that why we loved him so.
He had a wealth of knowledge about the flora and fauna of the Everglades and cherished his time there while sharing that information and about the area’s biological history with school kids and park attendees who came to visit “The Park” after he retired from teaching school. His artwork displayed a remarkable intuition about the details of the nature of life he so loved. The complex yet the simple were so elegantly depicted for example in his drawings of the root systems of the mangroves. Bill explored the Florida Keys both below and above the surface of the oceans as a young man.
Bill seemed to enjoy the slower pace, the small that makes up the bigger picture. His automobile trips were taken off the beaten path not on the Interstate. Again he didn’t want to miss the details. Unassuming, Bill would surprise you. I remember that for many years he had an upright piano in his home. Then one evening at one of those large extended family dinners he sat down and played a riff like you’d hear in a jazz club.
For those who were fortunate to know Bill what we will miss now that he is gone is that we cannot ask him for his insights to the ‘nuts and bolts’ or intellectual as well as the emotional questions life poses. Bill was always there, always available. He had the answers that seemed obvious yet profound. What kind of fertilizer to revive a weak citrus tree or how to deal with the loss of a loved one, you could always ask Bill.
But I guess one could say that Bill’s true legacy to those close to him will always be the example he set with his love for Carol. Simply, they were inseparable. Later that boundless love expanded to include Sean and Erin, then Kelly, Mark, Todd and the grandchildren he so adored, Mason, Jake, Brody and Megan. Bill and Carol are always ‘on call’ for the family.
How gratified we should be to have had the opportunity to spend precious time and to learn life’s important lessons from Bill.
Elisabete Whaley
July 27, 2010
Farewell Mr. McCreary.
See you later!
Donna Hunter
July 27, 2010
I met Bill in 1981 as a student at Palmetto. He was forced to teach the group of misfit chemistry students who transferred out of other various classes for different reasons. He instantly became my favorite teacher. Thereafter I took "McCreary" for every class I could. I remember walking into his class saying, "What are we doing today, Mr. McCreary?" His response was always, "Today, we are straining monkey vomit." Even though he was not an art teacher, he was one of the best artists around and inspired me to become a pen and ink artist. I kept in touch with Bill and his family through college, law school and beyond. I remember voyaging on the handmade, one of a kind, sail-canoe across the flats of Biscayne Bay where Bill would point out various sharks that no one else could see. Then one day we actually sailed over one that was much bigger that the little sail-canoe. I never doubted his word after that. I will miss the fantastic parties, fry bread, hand made birthday cards, recycled wooden walkway through his yard of amazing plants but most of all, his 'the cup is always half full attitude.' Bill touched so many lives and I am so glad I met him.
Gonzo Zaldumbide
July 27, 2010
My deepest condolonces to your family. I went to Palmetto graduated in 91 and he was one of my favorite teachers. He was so passionate about his work, and what I always remember him by is by those beautifull jewelry he would wear!!! May he rest in peace!! Gonzo Zaldumbide
Paula Baxter
July 26, 2010
I feel privileged to have walked the Anhinga Trail with Bill and to have benefited from his knowledge and humor like so many others.
He taught at Palmetto with my husband. I can picture them catching up.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jane Mercer Kitchen
July 26, 2010
Mr. McCreary was quite literally my favorite teacher, ever, even after three universities and grad school. He was one of those people who had found his calling so brilliantly -- the impact that he had on me and countless other high school students is immeasurable. It was not only what and how he taught, but the person who he was -- the friend and mentor who he was -- to us all. Twenty years later, I still carry with me a recommendation that he wrote for me for college. Even at 18, I knew that he had gone above and beyond what was required of him, and written something that really meant something. And he meant so much to all of us. My deepest sympathies to the family -- he will be sorely missed.
Jane Mercer Kitchen
Palmetto Class of 1990
July 26, 2010
We are saddened to learn of Bill's death. We remember him from Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church many years ago-- a warm and gentle man. May God bless and comfort you all.
Walter and Iris Edwards
Jeff & Missy Hall
July 26, 2010
Sean, Kelly and family,
Thinking of you during this difficult time, we are so sorry for your loss. God bless your family....
Jeff and Missy Hall
Mike Radman
July 26, 2010
The BEST TEACHER I ever had...All should be as good...R.I.P. God Bless Him.
Margaret Garvin
July 26, 2010
Carol and family, I am utterly speechless only learning of Bill's illness on Friday and not realizing that he had passed away on Thursday. My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Bill was one of those special people and I have such fond memories of our lunchroom chats at Everglades NP. May God be with you during this very sad time.
Karen Girard
July 26, 2010
Dear Carol and Erin,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bill was very special to me. HE taught me a lot on my maiden year of interpretation in the Everglades. He will be truely missed by all who knew him. Sorry I can't be there, my thought and prayers are with you.
Michelle Mayer
July 26, 2010
I can remember few of my teacher's names, let alone any significant impact they had on my life, Mr. McCreary being the stand out exception. Mr. McCreary was kind, thoughtful, and incredibly funny. He introduced us to the idea of "being green" before it was cool. I was one of two of his Teaching Assistant's in 1990 at Miami Palmetto. Everyone should be so lucky to have a Mr. McCreary in their life. I'm lucky to have had him in mine. I'm incredibly saddened by this loss and express my deepest condolences to the McCreary family.
Howard Glass
July 26, 2010
I graduated from Palmetto H.S. in '89, and, although I never had the fortune of having him as my teacher, Mr. McCreary had a huge impact on my life; now I've escaped from my law practice and am a teacher with M-DCPS. Mr. McCreary had the ultimate sense of humor and will be missed by everyone at Palmetto S.H. and beyond. May God comfort you at this most difficult of times.
Howard Glass
July 26, 2010
I graduated from Palmetto H.S. in '89, and, although I never had the fortune of having him as my teacher, Mr. McCreary had a huge impact on my life; now I've escaped from my law practice and am also a science teacher with M-DCPS. Mr. McCreary had the ultimate sense of humor and will be missed by everyone at Palmetto S.H. and beyond. May God comfort you at this most difficult of times.
Frankie Aranzamendi
July 26, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 26, 2010
To the McCreary Family:
I only had the opoortunity to meet Mr. Mr Mcreary a few time but it was enough to know that he was greatly loved by all who know him and that is a measure of a wonderful man.
May you all find peace in your memories and strength to pass on all you learned from him to your children and to those you love.
May he rest and peace, and count on the knowledge that you will be with him again.
All our love,
The Wall Family
Brad, Veronica, Tyler and Maya
Jack Simmons
July 26, 2010
Dear Carol, Donna and I are so saddened at the loss of Bill and our thoughts are with you and the family. Bill was a dear friend and I will always treasure those times we spent with you and him. He was tremendously funny and warm. The first time I met him, he told me to run away from Donna as quickly as I could! That was 25 years ago. He will be sorely miss. May God bless you all.
Susan Hurst
July 26, 2010
Sean, your Dad inspired so many people. He believed in my daughter, Jennifer, and helped her get to college. She is now a teacher. Bill was a beautiful person who believed in his students and taught them about life. I will miss him.
Susan Hurst
Tom & Mary Ann Hansen
July 26, 2010
To the McCreary Family, especially Sean,
So sorry to hear your father passed away. May the memories you shared over the years and the sympathy of friends sustain you.
July 26, 2010
I will miss you so much! Thank you for everything. All of my love.
Lili
Joe Gordils
July 25, 2010
Sean, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Father. Ive only met your Father a couple of times. If he's anything like yourself He must of been a Great Man. May God Bless Him and May He Rest in Peace.
Lisa Florio
July 25, 2010
To The Mccreary Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. What a blessing to have such a wonderful man in your lives. He touched so many with his big smile, and wonderful stories. His love was so obvious for his family
Hold on to your faith. May God bless and hold you all in his hands during this difficult time.
The Florio Family
Carl, Lisa & Anthony
Ivette Gonzalez
July 25, 2010
Dear Sean,
David and I were so saddened to learn of your father's death this week. Please know that we are thinking of you and sending you our heartfelt sympathy.
We didn't know your father, but to leave this world a son as fine as the man that you are is no small accomplishment, and for that alone we wish we could have known him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
In sorrow and with love,
The Gonzalez Family
David, Ivette, David Jr., and Michael
Sandra Madonia
July 25, 2010
To all who loved Bill.
Jeff & I were so sorry to hear of Bills Passing.Please know that our prayers are with you. We have the fondest memories. I will miss his Christmas cards. His was always the first.Where has all the time gone? Remember it does not end here. We are together again.
Jeff & Sandy Madonia
Joe Trueba
July 25, 2010
Bill you were the best Dept. Chair I ever worked for!
And a a friend I enjoyed planning 3rd period!
Sagorg Woods
July 25, 2010
He studied at The University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn., not at Sewanee.
July 25, 2010
May God give you comfort, support, guidance, and peace. May the love and memories that you shared overshadow your grief. God is with you. In our prayers, the Smith Family.
Lynn Evans
July 25, 2010
It is impossible to put into words just how special this man was to so many. Bill McCreary was a man who loved and adored his wife, Carol and he told that to everyone. Their relationship was one to emulate. A family man, Bill was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren. He made friends easily and had many that he considered family.
As a friend, Bill would give you a hug or a kiss or the key to his house. He would change your alternator, feed you dinner, share his diet rite or provide solutions to your problems. He was a tremendous listener, leader and educator.
As head of the science department, Bill made everyone feel like they were part of his family, and we were. He taught scores of students science and he taught them about life. He certainly was entertaining and creative.
An accomplished artist, Bill created some of the most beautiful pen and ink drawings that I have seen. Pete and I have one of his drawings hanging in our living room.
I was one of the many fortunate lost souls who was lucky to know Bill and Carol. Bill was my boss, but he was my friend first. He was right there for me if I ever needed him, and I did many times.
My heart goes out to his right hand, Carol and his heart; his family. May you find comfort in the arms of friends and through remembering happier times.
I believe that the stars are much brighter with Bill up there somewhere. And I do agree that Bill McCreary's presence made this world a better place for all that knew him. Godspeed, Bill.
July 25, 2010
To the McCreary family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shawnee Cowart
charlie cardillo
July 25, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
July 25, 2010
Bill you will be missed. I have missed seeing you these last few years since we both left Palmetto. The memories I have of the science dept. Christmas parties are some of my favorites of my time at Palmetto. You and Carol are the reason for those memories. Thanks for including me in your life.
Your Friend Forever
Sandy Wheeler
Carol Adler
July 25, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. The McCreary family is in my thoughts and prayers at this sad and difficult time. Extending my deepest sympathy to all.
Michelle Williams
July 25, 2010
To all my McCreary!
am so sorry for your loss and there really are no words. I loved him and have some truly great memories with him. You are a strong family and you will get through this. I am always praying for you all and May he rest in peace! I love you all!!!!!!!!!! God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!
The Williams Family
Mike, Michelle, Brittany & Zach
Linda Roehrig
July 25, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Susan Livenstein Thomas
July 25, 2010
I knew Mr. McCreary well. I lived on the next street over and was friends with Erin. We were in Girl Scouts and Elementary School together and I used to love going over to their house. I remember the McCreary's fondly and want to express my deepest sympathies to the whole family. Susie Livenstein Thomas
Fuog Family
July 25, 2010
Mrs. McCreary, Sean, Kelly, Erin, Todd & kids,
When I think of Mr. McCreary, I think of how everytime I saw him, he was smiling from ear to ear. He always took the time to talk to me, ask me about my girls, my parents. He always had such a positive attitude, he was so full of life & joy. He was a wonderful man, who gave so much to so many. I feel lucky to have known him for almost 30 years. It is hard to lose the ones we love & begin learning to live, but he is with you, he always will be. He will live on in your hearts, in Jake & Megan's smiles, in Mason & Brody's laughter.
We love you all!
Edie Marrero-Fuog
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