Bill Otis Gardner

Bill was born May 18, 1926 in Los Angeles, California. He attended Los Angeles Polytechnic High School, class of Summer, 1943. Just prior to graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He trained in Biloxi, Mississippi and was discharged in November of 1945. Bill returned to Los Angeles and attended Metropolitan High School to receive his high school diploma. He worked as a cabinet maker at Lockheed Aircraft where he worked installing cabinets on their Constellation airplanes.

Bill met and married Mary Margaret Coombs 1947. Together they had two daughters, Laurie, born in 1948 and Gayle, born in 1954. In 1951, Bill and his father-in-law bought the Montrose Hardware in Montrose, California. He loved the small town atmosphere and was very involved in the activities of the community such as of the Chamber of Commerce and organizing the Hawaiian Days, which is still active today. He was proud of his achievements as Parking Commissioner, creating the Montrose Shopping Park. Also during this time Bill joined the Rotary Club International, Crescenta-Cañada Chapter. During his 32 years of perfect attendance, he held several offices, as well as District Conference Chairman.

One of Bill’s passions in life was high school football. In the mid-1960s, Bill met Florene Nickell at a Crescenta Valley High School football game. He admired her that evening for sitting in the rain for the whole game as she watched her son play football. Bill and Florene were married in February of 1971 and Bill enjoyed being a step-father to Florene’s three children, Charles, Gary and Teresa Nickell.

Shortly after the 1971 earthquake, Bill sold the Montrose Hardware Store and went to work for a wholesale hardware supplier, covering Central California. Because of the extent of his territory, he and Florene moved to Vacaville, California where Bill eventually retired. During this period of time, they adopted and raised Florene’s grand-daughters Sarah and Amber, the children of Florene’s deceased daughter, Teresa. Bill and Florene again became avid high school boosters, attending football and basketball games, as well as supporting the girls’ choirs and swimming teams.

After Amber graduated in 2002, Bill and Florene returned to Southern California, buying a retirement home in Camarillo, California. There in Leisure Village, they again became active in the community joining the RV Club and making many trips with their new friends.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Florene Gardner; his daughters Laurie Contreras (George) of Camarillo; and Gayle Hicks (David) of Santa Ana; sister Maxine Gorrie; step-daughter-in-law, Reet Nickell; grandchildren Andrew Contreras (Jennifer); Michael Contreras (Vanessa); Lyndsey Hicks (Craig); Timothy Hicks; Amy Hicks; Scott Hicks; Sarah Gardner; Amber Begrin (Ron); step-grandchildren Kristine Poole (Todd); Brenda Cardinale (Keith); Troy Nickell; Alexandra Ellis (Rich); step-great-grandchildren Marissa, Katelyn and Gina Poole; Tyler, Brooke and Cole Cardinale; Parker, Faith and Matthew Ellis; and great-great-grandchild Lacey; as well as four nieces and many, many friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his step-children, Charles Nickell, Gary Nickell and Teresa Nickell, as well as his step-grandchildren Bradley Nickell and Trent Nickell.

Bill was always the ‘go-to’ guy, whether it was making storage cabinets for the high school, filming athletic events or repairing something. He was a man you could count on to give you good advice, instruction, and his opinion. He will be greatly missed by many.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, December 22, 2010 at 1:00 pm at the Griffin Family Funeral Chapel, 1075 E. Daily Dr., Camarillo, 93010, (805) 482-1166.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura, CA. Condolences may be left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com