Gail was my aunt and my friend.
Many of you have asked so I thought I would share the article that was dedicated to her by the Jacksonville Times-Union by Sandy Strickland
JU planning director killed in Veterans Day crash on Butler Boulevard
Private services will be Saturday for Gail Bachmann, who was Jacksonville University’s event planning director.
Mrs. Bachmann was killed Nov. 11 in a two-car accident on Butler Boulevard. She was 71.
“It’s such a tragic loss to all of us,” Kerry Romesburg, JU’s president, said of his special assistant.
Mrs. Bachmann died after her Lexus RX300 was sent flipping when a Toyota Camry drifted into her lane and collided with her vehicle, Florida Highway Patrol said. Both drivers were westbound, approaching Belfort Road. Mrs. Bachmann, who was wearing a seat belt, died at the scene.
Romesburg said Mrs. Bachmann came to JU five years ago and quickly became more than a planner.
“She represented our institution and me personally to a variety of constituents,” he said. “The great thing about Gail is that you could put her with any group and in any situation, and it would be handled with tremendous aplomb.”
Romesburg said she was known for her impeccable handling of details, be it the annual donor recognition dinner for up to 500 people or a small luncheon for prospective board members.
Frances Kinne, former JU president and chancellor emeritus, said Mrs. Bachmann was a friend to everyone, ranging from her colleagues at JU to her associates in the Rotary Club of Jacksonville. She was a gifted painter, as well as an astute businesswoman, Kinne said.
“I could always tell if Gail did the event,” Kinne said, adding that the flowers, food, seating arrangements and other aspects would be in perfect order.
A native of Tennessee, Mrs. Bachmann moved to Miami in 1968 and worked for National Airlines. She married Curt Bachmann in 1971 and the couple moved to Jacksonville in 1996.
In addition to her husband of 40 years, survivors include two stepsons, Bob Bachmann of Aiken, S.C., and Jim Bachmann of Flowery Branch, Ga.; three step-grandchildren; a sister, Bobbie Sue Rider of Baltimore; and two nephews, Mark Rider of Baltimore and Greg Rider of Atlantic Beach.
Memoralization was by cremation. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the charity of one’s choice.
Many of you were at her service last night and we thank you. We were deeply touched by your presence as well as the beautiful words that were spoken. She was a weaver of people…leaving us all with happy memories. It is for those future memories we will not have that make our heart still ache.
With peace, Greg
