Julie Reiersgaard

In the early hours of November 14^th, Julie Reiersgaard passed away peacefully at her home. Her devoted husband of 60 years, Bill, never left her side. Her son John and longtime caregiver, Estera were present as well. 

Julie was born with her twin brother, Joe, in England on July 7^th, 1938, to Joe and Doris Rackliff. During the next few years of their young lives, they would be evacuated to the English countryside due to German bombings of London. Julie’s mother worked in a factory making Hawker Hurricane Airplanes which were used to stop Hitler’s invasion of England. Julie’s father was in the British Army and part of PLUTO (Pipeline Under the Ocean) on the Normandy side.

Julie enjoyed cycling and worked many jobs to pay for her first bicycle. She joined a cycling club touring England in her teens. Julie was an Adventurer and joined the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) in Canada and earned her Stenographer certificate. She was assigned to the US Air Force base in Coos Bay, Labrador where she met her future husband, Bill. 

 Julie and Bill married in January 1964. They moved to Oregon where Julie raised their 2 children (John and Deborah) and started a business, GAARD Automation Inc., with Bill.  Julie was the backbone of the business and was a shrewd businesswoman. After selling their business in 1995 they started traveling, something Julie loved to do! Julie became a US Citizen, a lifelong dream for her to be part of the American Dream. Julie took an active role with her five grandchildren, always wanting to be involved and making every effort to attend their activities.

 Julie was very active in the community supporting Holy Family Church and School in Southeast Portland, the University Club, Rose Haven, PSU, and the MAC. Her love of classical music brought her to the Oregon Symphony women auxiliary. She was a staunch believer in education, especially science for young women. Julie sponsored numerous LEGO Robotics Clubs. Just recently Julie made a gift to the PeaceHealth Southwest Foundation focusing on continuing education for caregivers and new technology innovations. The Reiersgaard Education Center is named for her.

Julie is survived by her husband, Bill and their children John Reiersgaard (Amy) and Deborah Gaslin (Scott); grandchildren, Elizabeth and Walker Reiersgaard and Airianna, Lucinda, Will Gaslin.

A memorial service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Vancouver, Washington on December 7^th at 10 a.m.