Luther Beckett "Skip" Gladney

"Luther Beckett "Skip" Gladney, the Wizard of Southdowns, passed into the Summerland on Friday August 19, 2016. He is now sitting beside a cool, rushing, stream, drinking an IPA after taking a long walk. Skip was a lover of anything where people can get together to make music and costume. Whether it was watching the LSU Band come down the hill towards Tiger Stadium, walking through the French Quarter on Mardi Gras day, or parading through Southdowns in the Krewe of Gleaux. He adored brass band music, impromptu street jams, and dancing at Jazz Fest. Skip also enjoyed being outdoors, whether he was taking a long hard hike in the woods or cruising around in the bayous, after which he he liked to relax under the stars. He loved the energy of big crowds and the solitude of his own mind. A Baton Rouge native, and son of Mary Manship Gladney and William Washburn Gladney, Purple and Gold ran in Skip's blood. He was a devoted LSU fan who rejoiced and suffered dutifully with the Tigers. Skip was a passionate husband to his wife of 33 years, Mim Aretsky. He was an amazing, dedicated father to his children, Ariel and Jesse Gladney. He was a loving brother to his siblings William Gladney, Lewis Gladney and Mary Gay Gladney. They all thought their little brother hung the moon. He adored them and showed it in many ways. As a child and as an adult, he loved to play and bring his family together. He was central in the lives of his nieces and nephews, Nathan Koenig, Sarah Landrum, Patrick Gladney Logan Gladney, Adelaide Gladney, Anne Marie Gladney, and Kate Gladney. Skip loved babies and children. He knew how to interact with them so they felt safe and could learn and grow. It was what made him such an exceptional and beloved teacher at La Printaniere Montessori School for the past 20 years. Skip will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was a unique and talented man who quietly impacted the lives of many people. We fondly remember Skip as a spirit pole waver, fire starter, tarp slinger, rock skipper, night sky watcher, maker of coffee, finder of stillness, and inventor of silly songs.