Bill Garton Obituary

I had the pleasure to spend two great years under the "wing" of Bill. His teachings and advice has helped me throughout my own career as an aviator. I will never forget the life lessons he taught in the classroom about the passion he had with aviation.

I can't thank you enough Bill, the future may have been very different for me if not for you. You will be missed.

I met Bill through Heidi and really enjoyed knowing him and hearing about his plans through Myrna and Heidi. My heart goes out to his family and all those who are missing him. See you later, Bill, in that big blue sky!

My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family and friends. Bill and I attended doctoral classes together in the WED program at SIUC. He was a wonderful person and will truly be missed.

Mr. Garton was easily the greatest teacher I ever had. The lessons I learned from him influenced many of the decisions I have made over the course of my life. I doubt I would have been as succesful without his guidance and wisdom. I will miss him.

So long Crash. God Bless! LT in '76 and '75 was better because of you. What color is the Snoopy banner today? It must be blue.

Bill was my mentor when I started here at LT in 94. What a wonderful person! He will be greatly missed.

Our prayers are with you.

I always enjoyed having Bill as a classmate. He lived through so much and had done so much his perspective on current events was often amazing. He will be missed.

Mr Garton was my Aviation teacher at LTHS, 75-76. He was a wonderful teacher and I am amazed at how often I recall his teachings, about life as well as aviation. I was lucky to have had him as a teacher and mentor.

As one of the LTPE teachers, I will always remember the kindness and friendly "hello's" that Bill greeted me with whenever he passed by our office. I know that he had a profound impact on his students for I overhead many of their words of admiration for him in my PE classes. I will remember him always as one of LT's best!

Bill was a fellow WED doctoral student at SIUC and was always great fun to have in class. He will be sorely missed.

*sigh*

Well said Doug. The students touched by Bill truly are a family.

Let us not forget one of Ralph's greatest quotes:

"The sky's blue and it's all ours!"

Rest well Bill

-*Andy*-

Odd as it is to be pushing fifty, greying, balding and identified as one of the "kids" in what must now be one of the largest "families" on Earth, that’s who I am, too. "Gardo" inspired me to achieve, demonstrated how to get into trouble constructively, and introduced me to his aviator friend Ralph, whose penchant for getting into trouble is no doubt responsible for keeping me out of trouble at least once.

We will miss both Bill and Ralph.

Mr. Garton was a great teacher and a great boss. I first met him when I took his ground school class and I later worked with him at SIUC dispatch. He always made my day brighter and was a true inspiration in my life. Mr. Garton was a sincere and great individual that would help anyone..while making them laugh. He will be missed so much.

My sincerest sympathies to Bill's family and friends. I, too, was one of "Garton's kids" and can not overstate the positive and lasting impact he's had in my life. He will be missed.

Mr G is a True American Hero. He and his wife Mrs G have always been there to support me in both my good and bad times. He was a true father to me. I will miss him and will never forget him.

I was so sad to learn of "Garton's" (as all the high school kids called him) passing. He had a tremendous influence on my life and was always very encouraging as I was learning how to fly. Garton inspired many and is thought of often. His enthusiasm for flying was infectious and inspirational and I am so lucky to have had him as a teacher! He was a great teacher who truly made a difference!

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. This has come at a very difficult time for me. I wish you and your family well.