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Donald GARDNER Obituary
GARDNER Donald Henry, 53, of Ringwood, musician, father of Derek K. and Garrett J. Gardner, passed away after a valiant battle with cancer on May 20, 2010.Don was a drummer who began his musical career during his formative years in Upper Saddle River, NJ and distinguished himself as a percussionist at Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, NJ. Don attended Bradley University Music School, Peoria, IL where amongst other groups, participated in BEJ, Bradley Ensemble of Jazz, receiving numerous state awards.His musical career spanned many genres and culminated in a lifetime achievement award from the Rockland County Jazz & Blues Society, Inc. in 2009. He was proud to have played with numerous prominent entertainers including Tom Jones, Annie Lennox and Bucky and John Pizzarelli. Don also worked as a General Manager at Multitone Engraving Company, Rochelle Park, NJ, for over 25 years.In addition to his sons, he is survived by his loving wife Carol Hummers Gardner, his mother, Althea Janke Gardner, Upper Saddle River, NJ, sister Althea Gardner Perley of Darien, CT, brother Glen Gardner and his wife Laura of Montclair, NJ, sister Kathy Gardner Kenny and her husband George of Warwick, NY. He is also survived by his in-laws, Sharon and Herbert Hummers of Garden City, NY, sister-in-law Beth Kretschmer and her husband Jed of Asbury, NJ, his former wife Laura Kenney Gardner, and numerous nieces and nephews.Don was predeceased by his father Harry H. Gardner and his brothers Kenny and James, and brother-in-law Bill Perley.A Mass Of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Monday at 10 AM at the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, NJ burial will follow at the Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah NJ. Friends and relatives are invited on Sunday from 1-5 PM at the Scarr Funeral Home Inc Route 202 Suffern.For directions or to sign Donald's guest book please visit www.scarrfuneralhome.net In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to the Derek K. and Garrett J. Gardner College Education Trust, c/o Anderson Kill & Olick, P.C., 1251 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020-1182.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald GARDNER
Maria Perino
February 12, 2011
To Donald Henry Gardner,
I haven't seen you or spoken with you in many years, and just recently learned of your passing. I did not know you battled with cancer either. I was your girlfriend at Bradley University back in the day. You were such great person and your friends always loved to come over and visit with you. We all knew you were a great musician even back then and I am glad to see you got to live your dream! Thank you for being a part of my life! Thank you for bringing your music and rhythm to the world! Love, Maria (Mia)
May 26, 2010
May 22, 2010
I moved back to NJ from California around 1986. Had been playing drums as a pro for years I was checking out the "old haunts" and found myself at "Nobodys Inn" in Mahwah. Don was playing with a bunch of folks I knew.
He was very gracious and asked me if I wanted to sit in. The rest is history, I got re-established within the local scene very quickly with Don's recommendations. He was a terrific drummer--could play ANYTHING!!
I last saw him around Christmas, he knew his fate. The music world is less one player; We who knew him are left with a huge void, but can rejoice in having known him on his short time on this earth. Missing you already, Don.
Paul "Paco" Prior Ringwood NJ
Rich Meyer
May 25, 2010
Dear Derek, Carol, and Garrett,
I know that we all are richer for having had Don in our lives. I hadn't seen Don in a few years, but EVERY memory I have of him is a good one: a gentle soul, and a marvelous musician. I am deeply saddened by Don's passing, but his spirit lives in us all. May you find comfort in knowing such a rare person.
Peace Don
Michael Rodriguez
May 23, 2010
To Carol, Derek, Garrett and the entire Gardner family, my deepest sympathy. I have known Don since 6th grade and over the years we seemed to keep bumping into each other and music, of course, was usually the reason. From being at an Annie Lennox concert in Central Park seeing Don on the kit, to having Don put together the all time greatest wedding band for my wife and I, to a recent night at a local restaurant with Don playing music and making the evening all the more enjoyable, I was lucky to get to know a little bit about him. Don was terrific in many ways but the incredible contribution he made to the universe of music lovers, over the hundreds of nights and thousands of hours he gave to us and the millions of notes he played for and shared with us, leaves behind a noble legacy that will last far more than a mere mortal lifetime. God bless you Don. You bravely fought a great battle. Rest in peace my friend.
Patricia Mayer
May 23, 2010
Derek, Garrett and Carol,
my heart goes out to you and may your memories be comforting and healing. I have known Don as my neighbor and we shared interesting conversations over the fence, he always offered advice and help and his warm personality will always be remembered.
Dave Kopec
May 23, 2010
Don,
I'll never forget getting to know you as a great guy and always being awestruck with your musicianship. You gave everyone in our area so much great music and brought so many terrific entertainers into our backyard for years. We were all so fortunate to have you.
Rest in Peace.
May 22, 2010
I moved back to NJ from California around 1986. Had been playing drums as a pro for years I was checking out the "old haunts" and found myself at "Nobodys Inn" in Mahwah. Don was playing with a bunch of folks I knew.
He was very gracious and asked me if I wanted to sit in. The rest is history, I got re-established within the local scene very quickly with Don's recommendations. He was a terrific drummer--could play ANYTHING!!
I last saw him around Christmas, he knew his fate. The music world is less one player; We who knew him are left with a huge void, but can rejoice in having known him on his short time on this earth. Missing you already, Don.
Dee McDonagh
May 22, 2010
Derek, Garrett, Laura & the Gardner Family, May all your wonderful memories sustain you and heal you...they are yours forever. Our Lord called him home so he could be at peace. He will be missed but his legacy lives on in you two boys. God bless you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris Gomber
May 22, 2010
RIP Don - you were a great drummer and a better person. I am proud to have known you. My condolences to the family.
Susan
May 21, 2010
RIP Don .... I am glad your life florished with friends and family . You were a always a very kind person & will be missed .
Laura Kravets
May 21, 2010
To The Gardner Family,
Don loaned my son, Sam, his first set of drums for over a year. Sam's ability to play came from that generosity, and for that, I will be forever grateful. I wish you all peace and I am sure that Don is gigging up in heaven with an amazing group of musicians. Just listen for the music...
May 21, 2010
Don,
You will be greatly missed. As our grandchildren's father, you can rest in peace knowing that they will always be very much loved and cared for. You taught them a lot during their lives including their love for music which, we're sure, will go on in your memory.
We're glad that you are no longer suffering from the long and painful struggle you've been through. You gave it a good fight!
Al & Maureen Kennney
May 21, 2010
to my friend Don,. thanks for the joy, laughter, music & the honor of caring for your amazing children you will be missed terribly .
Claudia G Wells
Jack/Doris Enkemann
May 21, 2010
Our heartfelt condolences to all the Gardner family.
May 20, 2010
I would like to offer my condolences to the Gardner family. May our Heavenly Father make light your hearts in your time of bereavement.
Jane Stuart
May 20, 2010
Don, rest in peace. In this life you were an incredible musician and one of the kindest, warmest people I knew. It was always a joy to work with you. You are loved and will be missed by many.
Jane Stuart
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