SEAFORD, Del.—Today, AVN Media Network received a heartfelt communication from Hot Desert Knights President Lee Watson that noted the passing of William C. “Bill” Atkinson Gardner, better known as HDKBill. Gardner, who launched the gay bareback studio in 1998, passed early in the morning on Sept. 8 at the age of 62 after a battle with lung cancer.
“As many friends know, Bill was diagnosed with lung cancer almost exactly one year ago to the day, in September of 2009,” Watson wrote. “He passed away at home surrounded by his loving family, who were by his side and held his hand to the end.”
Gardner was best known as the founder and CEO of Hot Desert Knights, a company that produces adult entertainment for the gay community. Despite Gardner’s considerable success, said Watson, “it never went to his head. He was always a very caring and generous person to his staff and co-workers, who he treated as family.”
Gardner was formerly involved in politics, serving as city manager and councilman of Bellefontaine, Ohio, and he was president of the Delaware Motor Transport Association, an affiliate of the American Trucking Association.
Gardner was also the owner and founder of C.T.T.S., a company dedicated to helping people in the trucking industry comply with government regulations. Before his partial retirement to Palm Springs, Calif. in 1994, Gardner wrote a book and gave countless seminars to thousands of people across the country.
“Bill was the kind of guy who would quite literally take the shirt off his back and give it to you if you needed it—then offer his trousers,” Watson wrote. “Bill's heart was always filled with compassion, a giving attitude and the wit that went beyond human comprehension. If you were down and out, he would cast miles of smiles and humorous 'one-liners' to pull you out of a downward spiral.”
Watson remembered the many contributions his former HDK colleague made to causes in the gay community. “He has touched so many lives along the way and left his mark within this community, leaving a deep imprint with those lives he touched,” Watson said. “My heart goes out to so many, knowing the pain they must feel from such a loss. We all miss him greatly.”
Gardner is survived by his wife, Theresa M. Atkinson of Columbus, Ohio, a nurse who cared for him throughout the final months of his fight with cancer. He is also survived by son Jason W. Atkinson of Columbus, Ohio; daughter Brandy R. Atkinson of Seaford, Delaware, and his granddaughter, also of Seaford.
A private memorial service will be held in Seaford at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the AIDS Assistance Program, 1276 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
“Bill's favorite drink was Crown Royal,” Watson said, “and one of his endearing final wishes was that all his friends, wherever they may be, would toast him with a glass of Crown Royal and celebrate his life. So please join us as we honor a man of men, a steward of this community and the heart and soul of HDK. Bill—rest peacefully. You've earnest so much gratitude from so many. You are loved by many and will be sorely missed.”
