In honor of Lloyd Gardner

“Lloyd Gardner slips into Heaven.”

With those words the Federal Way community learned that Lloyd Gardner had passed away.

Lloyd was one of a kind. He was ever present in our town, and always ready to contribute. He tackled leaders from the Federal Way School Board to City Hall, to politics both local and well beyond.

He was wise, courageous and humble. His passion for knowledge-based education was notorious. His love of America and her Founders and traditions was awesome. Lloyd embodied “Yes we can” before it was in vogue. His “Yes we can” and “No excuses” spirit always included himself in the work…for he was the ultimate volunteer. In fact, he was the ultimate leader because example is the best teacher.

Lloyd’s vitality at 88 and his willingness to give his time to others may have veiled his growing years. His heart was in everything that he tackled and there would be no slowing down his purpose.

Lloyd was generous, kind, feisty, honest, and funny. He loved his dear Lu, his fine family, and truth be known, Lloyd loved all of us too.

We will miss the spunk, and warm smile, of Federal Way’s patriot.

Maureen Bernardy

Federal Way

Escaping the third runway

After reading the celebration of the opening of the third runway at Sea-Tac airport, it brought back many distasteful memories, and why we moved to Federal Way.

I was one of many outspoken activists against the third runway, back in the early 1990s. We lived in Boulevard Park for several years before we realized a second runway had been built without our knowledge. So when the talk started about a third runway, I knew what would be coming next.

Meeting after meeting, the Port of Seattle lied constantly that the third runway would only be used for emergency landings, and during foul weather or overflows during holidays. Does this all sound familiar to those of us who moved to get away from the third runway?

Years ago, a very wise person, the wife of the late Bill Moyer, founder of Hi-Liners, told me about plans the Port of Seattle had already started putting together. It not only included the third runway, but a fourth, with a terminal and parking to the west. For the most part, it would stretch to the point of dividing Normandy Park, all the way to the water. This way they would be able to have container ships close to the airport.

Well, the first step has been taken. If anybody thinks these plans are far-fetched, look how long we fought to stop the third runway, only to have our elected judges over-rule our concerns. How many homes and families were displaced, and how about the natural wetlands?

We now live about 16 miles south and west of the airport, and with the opening of the third runway, we now have a steady stream of aircraft going in and out of Sea-Tac. The Port of Seattle passed the buck by saying it was up to the FAA to send the flights wherever they want. The FAA clams it is safer to fly over our homes and businesses, so tough, that’s their attitude. How many of you have noticed the increase of air traffic over your homes? We have.

During the first few days since the third runway was opened, they had over 90 phone calls about the increase in air traffic. These families were told the same lies we were told back in the early 1990s. Ask the families who live in Marine Hills and let them tell you the number of flights that have increased over their homes. It will only get worse, trust me. We have lived it. We pay taxes to the Port of Seattle and they do as they please, and our King County Executive, Ron Sims, is right there with them. As far as they are concerned, they own any air space they choose to use.

Pat Gee

Federal Way