I have more memories of him than anyone I've ever known. He was gym teacher at Juniper Park School where I went for 4th-6th grade. In 5th grade his son was in my class, and when other classes would have to do weird arts&crafts stuff our teacher Mr. Kane would take us down to the gym and we'd play dodge-ball. Like 3 times/week. We had so much fun playing it. My first flirtings with girls were during those games, I'd always be in the 'jail' behind the enemy team and whack this girl I liked, Patricia, in the butt with a ball when she wasn't looking. Ugh
Victor E. Gardner 1949 - 2006 WESTFIELD - Victor E. Gardner, 57, of 348 Valley View Drive, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2006 at home. Born in Springfield, he was a lifelong resident of Westfield. Graduating from Westfield High School in 1967, he was on the baseball team when Westfield High School won the 1967 State Championship. Vic received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Norwich University in 1971 and his Masters degree in Business Administration in 1983 from American International College, graduating with high honors. While he was at Norwich University he became a commissioned officer in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Captain upon his discharge. He received the distinguished military student award, the distinguished military graduate award, was co-captain of the soccer team and made All New England, and in 1968 was on the Norwich University team that won the Division 3 New England Soccer Championship. A Vietnam Era Army veteran, Vic was coach and player of the United States Army Soccer Team at Fort Campbell, KY, as well as head of hospital supply. Returning to Westfield in 1974, he taught physical education at South Middle School, the former Smith Avenue School and retired in 2006 from Juniper Park School. He was a member of the Westfield Teacher's Association, the Massachusetts Teacher's Association, National Education Association, the Soccer Referee Association - FIFA, and a member of the Church of Atonement where he served on the vestry and was a former junior warden. He coached his children in little league, soccer and basketball as well as refereed high school and college soccer. Vic was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be truly missed by all who knew him. He leaves his wife, Debra S. (Butler) Gardner, two sons, Nicholas B. Gardner and his wife Pam, of South Hadley, Andrew Z. Gardner of Westfield, two sisters, Cheryl Harnish of North Port, FL, Lorraine O'Neil of West Springfield, two grandchildren, Sally Borgatti and Landin Gardner and several nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Atonement, 36 Court Street, with a reception to follow. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church prior to the service from 9:30 - 11:30. Donations may be made to the Church of the Atonement, 36 Court St., Westfield, MA 01085 or to the Cancer House of Hope, 86 Court St., Westfield, MA 01085. Firtionadams.com
Published in The Republican on 8/23/2006.
Victor E. Gardner 1949 - 2006 WESTFIELD - Victor E. Gardner, 57, of 348 Valley View Drive, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2006 at home. Born in Springfield, he was a lifelong resident of Westfield. Graduating from Westfield High School in 1967, he was on the baseball team when Westfield High School won the 1967 State Championship. Vic received his Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Norwich University in 1971 and his Masters degree in Business Administration in 1983 from American International College, graduating with high honors. While he was at Norwich University he became a commissioned officer in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Captain upon his discharge. He received the distinguished military student award, the distinguished military graduate award, was co-captain of the soccer team and made All New England, and in 1968 was on the Norwich University team that won the Division 3 New England Soccer Championship. A Vietnam Era Army veteran, Vic was coach and player of the United States Army Soccer Team at Fort Campbell, KY, as well as head of hospital supply. Returning to Westfield in 1974, he taught physical education at South Middle School, the former Smith Avenue School and retired in 2006 from Juniper Park School. He was a member of the Westfield Teacher's Association, the Massachusetts Teacher's Association, National Education Association, the Soccer Referee Association - FIFA, and a member of the Church of Atonement where he served on the vestry and was a former junior warden. He coached his children in little league, soccer and basketball as well as refereed high school and college soccer. Vic was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be truly missed by all who knew him. He leaves his wife, Debra S. (Butler) Gardner, two sons, Nicholas B. Gardner and his wife Pam, of South Hadley, Andrew Z. Gardner of Westfield, two sisters, Cheryl Harnish of North Port, FL, Lorraine O'Neil of West Springfield, two grandchildren, Sally Borgatti and Landin Gardner and several nephews and nieces. A memorial service will be Friday at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Atonement, 36 Court Street, with a reception to follow. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church prior to the service from 9:30 - 11:30. Donations may be made to the Church of the Atonement, 36 Court St., Westfield, MA 01085 or to the Cancer House of Hope, 86 Court St., Westfield, MA 01085. Firtionadams.com
Published in The Republican on 8/23/2006.
Facebook
Twitter