ROCK ISLAND -- Friends, family members, co-workers and students Sunday learned one final lesson from their favorite teacher, Rick Gilliland.

"When your day is challenging and you think you can't go on, laugh,'' said Nikki Melody, a friend and co-worker of Mr. Gilliland's. "Live life with the zeal that our friend Rick did, and never give up.''

Several hundred people gathered Sunday to celebrate the life of Mr. Gilliland, 54, who died Feb. 23 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and succumbed at his home, after a six-year battle with what is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Mr. Gilliland was a physical-education teacher at Rock Island's Frances Willard and Eugene Field elementary schools even after his condition put him in a wheelchair.

"What he was still capable of was amazing,'' Ms. Melody said. "His students never pitied him, they respected him for what he could do and what he could teach them.''

Another friend and co-worker, Tim Baldridge, said Rick's wife, Diane, once told him she thought her husband's competitive nature helped him battle the disease.

"Rick attacked every challenge. Adversity didn't stop him,'' Mr. Baldridge said. "Rick could never quit. To the end, Rick lived his life with full effort.''

David Markward, superintendent of the Rock Island-Milan school district, said Mr. Gilliland had great inner strength.

"He continued to teach, lead his family and participate to the fullest extent possible and sometimes beyond,'' Mr. Markward said.

Those at Sunday's memorial service also saw a video collection of photos showcasing Mr. Gilliland's life.

"He will tell us we never have to forget or give up our beautiful memories,'' Mr. Markward said. "As difficult as it may be, he would tell us to get on with our lives. We are here to carry on without him and that is hard.''

Mr. Gilliland's sister, Sandy Gerst, shared some of her favorite memories of growing up with her older brother.

"Teasing was a sport to Rick, and I think you all know whatever sport he participated in, he excelled in,'' she said. "Those of you who know Rick can imagine what it was like to be his little sister.''

She said she always admired her brother for being true to himself.

"I think he knows our hearts are full for him. I know my brother's here,'' she said.

Mr. Gilliland's nephew Brett White said growing up he was always impressed with his uncle's abilities, but it was his battle with ALS that impressed him the most.

"What impressed me more was watching him deal with everything,'' he said. "He didn't want to bring anyone else down.''

Danny Byrum, a friend of Mr. Gilliland's, described him as "a very proud father and loving man.''

"He really, really enjoyed his family and friends. He enjoyed his work. Rick was a happy guy,'' he said. ''He still is a happy guy.''

Although he taught his students physical education, he also taught life lessons, said friend and co-worker Jackie Mangold.

"He daily majored in courage and bravery. Rick battled this disease for six long years,'' she said. "This is really a life we need to celebrate.''

Mike Russell, friend and former Francis Willard principal, said when he began working with elementary students he carefully watched Mr. Gilliland, who could relate so well with the students.

"I watched the master,'' he said.

Ms. Melody agreed, saying "his students were fortunate to have had him.''

What Mr. Gilliland would want now, would be for his friends, family, co-workers and students to go on with their lives, Mr. Baldridge said.

"I hope you will all join me,'' he said, ''in copying the way Rick's lived his life.''