In a day when we see fewer and fewer true educators in the school systems around the country, we can look to Mr. Bardwell as a man who cared about the students, who demanded excellence from the teachers he supervised, displayed integrity and dignity in every area... and despite having a firm countenance when needed, was a man of great humor, compassion and understanding.
He was a principal to be emulated. But more importantly, he was a man to be admired. I count him as a friend and though it has been over 40 years since I graduated, I'll never forget the multiple encounters in which he gave me solid advice, distinct encouragement and a refined sense of doing what is right.
Always approachable, never distant, aloof or "too busy", and immensely gifted in the ability to guide young people, he was a mentor as well as a man of character. You don't replace people like that. You simply give thanks they came into your life, and look for ways to pass along what they taught or shared with you.
You can't say a simple "thank you" to a man like this. He "paid it forward" in a thousand different ways. So, I'll just say, "be seeing you, Mr. B"... and don't forget to check your zipper.
(He and I had a few running jokes, and the last one I pulled was at graduation, walking by his podium and I whispered, "your fly is open". [It wasn't, of course] He could have shot me, I'm sure... but he didn't flinch, standing throughout the entire ceremony and never acted flustered. AFTER graduation, with a big grin, he grabbed me and said in all the years of graduation and similar ceremonies, he always checked his attire JUST before going to the venue. Told me it was the one time when he "wasn't 100% sure" that he had "zipped up". We laughed together, shook hands, and he still gave me my diploma, anyway!)
I'll be checking my zipper when I get to Heaven, because I'm sure Mr. B will be waiting.... and the next time, the joke will be on me.
Bob Gambill
PTHS Class of 1975
