William Gilderdale

STOCKBRIDGE — William O. "Bill" Gilderdale, 87, of Stockbridge, died Monday evening, Nov. 20, 2006, at Gifford Medical Center in Randolph.

He was born Sept. 26, 1919, in Colrain, Mass., the son of Frederic T. and Henrietta (Osgood) Gilderdale. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was stationed in Burma. He had worked as a timber buyer for Northeast Wood Products in Pownal, and then for True Temper Corporation in Wallingford.

He was an outdoorsman and hunter and was most noted for his love of guns, especially antique firearms. He owned and operated Bill’s Guns in Stockbridge for many years, the last few with the help of his grandson Michael. He was known far and wide with many friends in and out of the gun trade.

Survivors include his two sons, David Gilderdale and his wife Sandra of East Randolph, and Alan Gilderdale of Colrain, Mass.; a daughter, Judy Fowler and her husband Chuck of Halifax; a sister, Barbara N. Gilderdale of New Canaan, Conn.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandsons; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his sister, Helen Fredricka Gilderdale.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, Nov. 25, at 11 a.m. at the Day Funeral Home in Randolph, with Rev. Ronald E. Rilling officiating. Burial will be at a later date at North River Cemetery in Colrain, Mass. Calling hours are 7-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at the funeral home.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 77 Hegeman Avenue, Colchester, Vt., 05446.

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