Mr Gay was one of my favorite teachers. He encouraged me in my writing and in English, and I credit his encouragement that got me in the masters program in writing my freshman year. Thank you, and my condolences to his family and friends. God Bless
~ Bob Potter,
Germantown
We were deeply saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. His and Susanne's presence at the lakes made the summer complete and his absence will be felt by all of us who enjoyed his company. The summers at the lakes hold many shared moments and memories, and will forever carry a part of him.
Susanne, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find strength in one another, and may the memories of the good days bring you moments of peace, even in the midst of grief. We are holding you close in our hearts.
~ Jim & Peggy Beckerson,
Hamilton Lakes, MI
As I am now 69 years old (class of '74), memories of high school sometimes fade. I have been telling folks to let those who made a difference in our lives know what a special role they played. I discovered this beautiful obituary on the Germantown reunion FB page. So many things a student doesn't know about their teachers! Sadly, we often lose track of them once we graduate. I so wish I would have told him that he was a difference maker! I don't even remember which English class I had with him. What I do recall is his genuine enthusiasm for his craft, and how he took the time to get to know each of us in class. Mr. Gay was serious, funny, and demanding of our best.
He approached me to ask if I would be interested in working with him on the George McGovern presidential campaign. I think there were fellow students as well. Can you imagine if a teacher tried that nowadays??? Anyway, it introduced me to politics. It was grass roots campaigning at its finest. He tore several pages from the local phone book and I was to call everyone on those pages. My mom wasn't happy with me tying up the phone for days. The result of that election was a landslide for Richard Nixon. It didn't matter all that much to me, but it did spark a lifelong interest in that world.
I would implore anyone that reads this to reach out to anyone that has impacted your life in a positive way. Just let them know before that opportunity vanishes.
Rest in peace, Mr. Gay. My deepest condolences to all of your family and friends.
~ Greg Zenisek ,
Seneca, SC
Rest in God's peace, dear Bill! You were a gift to so many, including me and my daughter, Jaclyn, who enjoyed every day of being your student. I was blessed to call you friend as we worked together in the GEA on behalf of all of our peers. To your family I send my deepest sympathy along with love and hugs.
~ Carol Rudebeck,
Beaverton, OR
So sorry for the family 's loss! [[[Hugs]]]
~ Donna Schweda,
Crivitz, WI
May memories comfort your heart during this difficult time. Mr. Gay was my favorite teacher, he truly had a passion for education and teaching. I loved his class and having him as my teacher.
~ Jen,
Gilmore, WI
so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. As my U.P. neighbor and friend, his kindness and love of life will be missed. Even through his health struggles the last few years he always had such a positive outlook on life, enjoying each day that he could to its fullest. Rest in Peace Bill and condolences to Susanne and the rest of the family
~ Tom Pedrotti,
Vulcan, MI
I enjoyed Mr Gay’s teaching. He had a real passion for education and all his funny little rhymes to remember Spanish grammar have stayed with me!
Praying for his family.
~ Linda Torres,
Germantown, WI
Peace and comfort during this difficult time. Mr. Gay was my favorite teacher during my high school years(1973-1976). He motivated me to work hard and never give up. Strive for excellence. I remember him trusting me to babysit Alissa and David a few times during my high school years. RIP Mr. Gay.
~ Linda Krist-Ewer,
Mission, TX
I had the honor of teaching with Bill for several years at Germantown High. His enthusiasm and support were of great help to a first year teacher. He & his wife, Susanne, were also a huge part of our social group where we often shared slide shows of each other's travels. It was also a pleasure that he and Susanne became lifelong friends. I will miss him.
~ Angie Moonen,
Plymouth, MN
