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Gary Wald Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary Wald
Michael Harvey
September 16, 2010
Mr. Wald was a great guy. Introduced us to poetry and grammar. Always supportive. Let me skip school and go to Lake Harriet to decompress. Awesome man. Michael Harvey - Portland, Oregon
Karl Pohlmann
August 11, 2010
Mr. Wald stands out in my memories for his often subtle, yet incredibly effective, encouragement and positive motivation as a teacher and coach. As a member of the 1977-1979 WHS Nordic ski teams, I will always remember his genuine concern and attention to every member of the team, which made us all winners regardless of our individual abilities. I can't help but think of coach Wald every time I strap on my skis and head out in the snow and I can only hope that I can reflect some of his enthusiasm and coaching abilities when I teach my own kids to ski and bike and enjoy other outdoor activities.
It was an honor to know and learn from him.
Sandra McGoldrick
August 7, 2010
My sympathies to Mr. Wald's family (as a WHS grad, class of 1977, I can't bring myself to call him "Gary"). I knew him as a teacher, and as the father of two close friends and fellow Explorers, Steve and Beth. If the measure of a man is - in part - his children, then Mr. Wald was a titan. His kindness and wisdom always shone through.
Joni Hughes
August 4, 2010
Mr. Gary Wald was a wonderful coach and teacher that I will remember for his warm smile, encouraging words and vote of confidence in all students. These were qualities that I always appreciated and continue to admire. I've never ventured out on a ski trail without thoughts of Dear Mr. Wald.
All my thoughts and sympathy to the Wald family at their loss.
Joni (Gustafson) Hughes
WHS '86
Martha Hage
August 3, 2010
I remember Gary as a true pillar in the community of St. Frances Cabrini.
"May the long time sun shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And the pure light within you
Guide you on your way home."
My thoughts and prayers are with the Wald family and their many friends.
Anna Coskran
August 3, 2010
He was my Coach. He believed in us, respected us, expected much of us, and trusted us. We loved him for it, even when moaning about a particularly hard workout. I skied for three years, ran for two, and had English with him for one. But what I remember most isn’t his coaching advice or punctuation rules… it’s his genuine warmth and enthusiasm. Coach Wald’s all encompassing hug and the insight to know when it was needed was a gift. He made a difference in my life. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
Anna Coskran
WHS ‘86
Lynn Strand-Meyer
August 3, 2010
Mr. Wald was a terrific English teacher. Always patient and kind. I feel blessed to have been his student. My sincere condolences.
Lynn Strand-Meyer
WHS Class of '88
Wirth Park Chalet, Mpls, Dec 2007
August 3, 2010
Gary Wald, WHS Tribute, Dec 2007
August 3, 2010
WHS Ski Team, Wirth Chalet, Dec 2007
August 3, 2010
Gary Wald, Wirth Chalet Dec 2007
August 3, 2010
Gary Wald, Wirth Chalet, Dec 2007
August 3, 2010
WHS Ski Team membes, Dec 2007
August 3, 2010
Gary Wald with Josh, WHS '85, Dec 2007
August 3, 2010
WHS Ski Team, Wirth Chalet, Dec 2007
August 3, 2010
Nancy & Gald Wald, WHS ski team members, Dec 2007
August 3, 2010
Gary Wald honored by past WHS XC Ski Team members, Dec. 2007
August 3, 2010
Paul Spika
August 3, 2010
I was a member of Coach Wald’s Washburn Millers XC Ski Team from 1973 to 1976, and remember him as a man who guided us with passion, enthusiasm and grace.
He cared equally about the boys and girls he coached, which was probably a rare thing in the mid 1970s. Unlike many other coaches of the day, he didn’t try to motivate us with fear, intimidation, or humiliation, but, instead, used positive encouragement and contagious exuberance. I recall him driving his old Jeep 4X4 around the hills of Theodore Wirth in Minneapolis and the Hyland Hills/Busch Lake Park Reserve in Bloomington, to keep charge of his squads of ski jumpers, cross-country and slalom skiers. While he focused on the success of the team as a whole, he also allowed individuals the leeway to flourish independently on the ski team and other school activities.
Some 30 years later, in December 2007, an all-classes Washburn XC Ski Team reunion was held in Coach Wald’s honor at Theodore Wirth Park, the site of our Nordic ski meets. It was heart-warming to see so many of his former skiers turn out to pay tribute to Coach Wald and his wife Nancy that day. I feel fortunate to have had a chance to talk to him, then, and thank him for his commitment to the ski team. He was very gracious and remembered me in spite of the years that had passed and hundreds of skiers he has coached. He was a great coach and a wonderful man.
Paul Spika (WHS '76)
Jordan Golomb
August 2, 2010
Mr. Wald was an encouraging coach who pushed me to be my best, and I'm so thankful for the experience of knowing him. -Jordan (Rivard) Golomb
Tereska Buzek
August 2, 2010
Gary Wald, above all of the teaching influences in my life, is most responsible for my transition from Banker to Writer, and from mediocre teenager to fully-fledged adult. He lives on in my heart and my mind: I cannot read Robert Frost, my favorite poet, without thinking of my beloved Mr Wald. I suppose this is what separates the AMAZING from the ordinary. A big cheer for Gary Wald! His legacy will be one of transcendent greatness.
With the utmost sympathy and compassion for his family and close friends, who no doubt will feel our loss most deeply, and much love.
Brad Johnson (WHS ' 76)
August 2, 2010
There were a number of us who went out for the ski team with zero XC skiing experience. Mr Wald patiently taught all of us how to ski on the lawn between the school and the football field. The next year I switched over to the ski jumping team. Mr Wald had a little advice for me about technique but basically said climb up to the top and just go off the jump - you'll be fine. We were co-city champions that year (1976).
As an outstanding teacher and coach, Mr Wald was a big part of what made Washburn such a great place.
Bob Wolk
August 2, 2010
Gary and I taught together at Washburn for 14 years. He was a master teacher, a wonderful human being and a great friend who loved his family and community deeply. He's done with "apple picking" now, and the little boy who loved to swing birches is now bending them down to stay.
August 2, 2010
Mr. Wald played a large role in my life as a ski coach and a shining example of the goodness of humanity. I never had the good fortune of having him as a teacher, but every late Fall and Winter for four years I was under his direction. He was a great leader, motivator and a father to the young men and women that had the great privilege to work with and know him.
It was an honor to have been a small part of his life.
David Beck (WHS class of 1987)
Jennifer Gleason, WHS '87
August 1, 2010
Mr. Wald was a strong source of encouragement for me over seasons of cross country running and skiing. Whenever I have thought of him in the years since, I picture his quick smile, nod, and twinkling eyes.
He was a sincere, kind person and I was lucky to be on his teams and in his classroom. My condolences to his family and friends.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
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