William Shepard "Bill" Gardiner

TOPSHAM - William "Bill" Shepard Gardiner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, at the age of 90.

Born on September 19, 1935, in Utica, NY, Bill was the son of the late Francis H. Gardiner and Mildred (Branton) Gardiner. He grew up with his cherished sister, Virginia Gardiner Clark, and enjoyed many wonderful memories with her and her husband, Stephen W. Clark. Bill was predeceased by Carol (Carpenter) Kolb and her husband Joseph Kolb.

For 69 years, Bill was devoted to the love of his life, his high-school sweetheart, Nancy (Carpenter) Gardiner. Their marriage was the heart of his world, and together they built a family and a lifetime of treasured memories.

Bill graduated from New Hartford High School in 1953 and earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from RPI in 1957, where he was an active member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

Bill's professional life reflected his deep commitment to preserving history, supporting education, and creating environments where people could learn and thrive. He served as Vice President of Facilities and Property Management at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, where he oversaw the stewardship of one of the nation's most treasured historic sites. Throughout his career, he also held leadership roles at Harvard University, Smith College, and Bowdoin College, guiding the care of these campuses with expertise, integrity, and pride.

In addition to his distinguished career, Bill served on the Mid Coast Hospital Board in Brunswick, Maine, where he played a meaningful role in the planning of the new Mid Coast Hospital. He was also involved in the development of the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, contributing his knowledge and passion to help create a place of beauty, learning, and inspiration for future generations.

He was endlessly proud of his three children:

• William Shepard Gardiner Jr. and his wife, Kim (Borowski) Gardiner,

• Susan (Gardiner) Tufts and her husband, Roland Tufts,

• Steven Gardiner and his wife, Christine (Maiolo) Gardiner.

He dearly loved and was profoundly proud of his grandchildren: William Shepard Gardiner III and his wife, Fiona Markley Gardiner; Andrew Tufts and his wife, Anna Ackerman; Ashleigh Gardiner and her fiancé, Brian Volkernick; Caroline Tufts; Matthew Gardiner and his fiancée, Mara Wagner; Trevor Gardiner; and Kate Gardiner. He also cherished his great-granddaughter, Annika Tufts Ackerman, who lit up his later years. Bill deeply loved his nieces and nephews as well, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

Bill's favorite place to spend time was at the camp he rebuilt on Woodhull Lake in the Adirondacks. He cherished the peace and solitude it provided and took every opportunity to share that special place with his children and grandchildren.

Bill will be remembered for his integrity, his devotion to family, and his unwavering willingness to help and support those who needed him. His legacy lives on in the generations he guided, encouraged, and loved.

His family will forever cherish his memory.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Stetson's Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 12 Federal Street, Brunswick, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Stetson's Funeral Home website, www.stetsonsfuneralhome.com