A Great Loss in the Westhampton Beach Community

Mr. Werner

Mr. Werner

      On October 23 we lost someone that will be remembered fondly by family and many friends throughout the community. Gordon Werner has achieved many things in the Westhampton Beach Community and other places as well. He was a hardworking man with a significantly big heart.  He achieved many things such as being the owner of Follett and Werner Funeral Home on Mill Road. Werner was also a very active community member such as being a part of the WHB Board of Education and the Rotary Club. Notably, he played an active role in the East End Hospice Organization and was responsible for training new volunteers. He received the 13th annual Dorothy P. Savage Good Samaritan Award in recognition of his contributions. Other involvements included the Westhampton Cemetery Association and the Family Service League. Not only that but Werner brought a great contribution to our high school,  providing us with our beloved math teacher known as Mrs. Kalisak or Ms. Werner who has carried his legacy.

    Mr. Radday the Superintendent of Westhampton School District has much to say about Mr. Werner. When Mr. Radday was asked what impact  Mr. Werner had on the school community he states “Gordon Werner had a profound impact on our school district and the entire community.  He was a strong advocate for public education, and he worked tirelessly to provide resources and world-class learning opportunities for students.  He truly believed that all students could be successful and achieve great things if they were given the right support.” Also after asking Mr. Radday what specific qualities did Mr. Werner have he says “Mr. Werner had many great qualities.  What really stands out to me were his kindness and his focus on serving his community.  He was truly a person who put others first.”  Mr. Werner was a member of the Board of Education from 1992-2002 and then from 2012 until his death.  He served on the Board for more than 12 years in total.

        Mr. Werner has many amazing contributions to our district.  Among the, he was a strong proponent for students and for raising academic standards.  He had a great interest in mathematics education.”  On the topic Mr. Radday said that Mr. Werner was in fact a driving force behind the success of our outstanding math program.  Mr. Radday explains his best memory with Mr. Werner as “I have many fond memories of Mr. Werner, but for me personally there is one that stands out.  When my mother died a little more than a year ago, one of the first people who came to see me was Gordon Werner.  His kindness and compassion were very comforting to me at that difficult time.”

        Lastly Mr. Radday declared, “I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know Gordon Werner and to work with him during his time on the Board of Education.  The Westhampton Beach School District and the entire community is a better place because of his contributions.  He will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on in all the lives he touched in his service to others.”