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R. Gardner Obituary
R. Keith Gardner passed away January 14, 2013 at the age of 74 as a result of heart disease. He was born January 18, 1938 in Salt Lake City to Thomas Edward and Mary Ellen Gardner. He graduated from East High School in 1957 and married Suzanne Forsyth that same year. Together they had four children; son Lynn Gardner (Lori), daughters Terri Freeman and Wendi McFadden (Richard) and son Brent Gardner (Rhonda). Keith married Linda Dewaal in 1976 and they had one son Ryan Gardner (Kayla). He owned and operated a local respected plumbing company for over 25 years. Keith loved cars, especially Jaguars, and was a member of the Jaguar Club. He was active in all of the events as well as being a former club President. He was also very involved as a judge of the Concours d' Elegance car show for the past 30 years, which he enjoyed very much. Keith had a good eye for beautiful cars and loved to be around them. He also loved Southern Utah and was an avid ATV trail rider. There was always a smile on his face when it was time to ride. Above all else, Keith loved his children, his many family members and, of course, his dear friends. He was the man who knew everyone! It didn't matter where he was, he would always run into someone that he knew. He was also the master of the claw machine and everyone benefited by receiving a small token from him. Keith touched everyone that he met and left a footprint on our hearts. He will be forever missed! He is preceded in death by his parents. Keith is survived by his wife of 37 years, Linda Gardner, his five children and his brother Gerald Gardner (Lois) his sister Mary Erickson (Wayne) and many nieces and nephews and 21 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Keith's life will be held Saturday, January 19, 2013 at the LDS Stake Center located at 2675 E. 4430 S. Holladay, Utah 84117. The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. - 12noon with services beginning at 12noon.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for R. Gardner
Rhonda Gardner
February 16, 2013
I miss you DAD!! We love you so much!!
Matt Sadler
January 27, 2013
Brent and Lynn
I heard about Keith and I am very sorry about your loss
David Powers
January 19, 2013
I remember the way Keith would laugh ripping up the mountain at the only speed Lynn knew; I remember how understanding he was when I shot a hole through his truck and camper; I think about his kindness; but most of all, I'm so grateful for the best friend he was to my dad.
Love you Keith,
David Keith Powers
January 18, 2013
It was with a great deal of sadness that I learned of Keith's passing. He ALWAYS made me feel important. He was always happy, and I'll never forget the time we met on the streets of downtown Salt Lake City during the Olympics and how proud he was to tell me that he and Gardner Plumbing were the official plumber of one of the venues. He took pride in what he did, and I will miss him a great deal. Gary C. Williams
Lisa Contreras
January 18, 2013
Linda, so sorry to hear about Keith. He was a good man. I remember him at the family Christmas parties. He had a great laugh and smile! Praying for you and Ryan during this difficult time.
January 18, 2013
Lynn, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.
wendy
Andrea Wagstaff Binns
January 18, 2013
I have had memories of Keith since I was a little girl - he was a great friend to the Wagstaff family. He will be missed!
Jenn Hughes
January 18, 2013
We will miss you Uncle Keith!! Thoughts and prayers to all his family!
Lynn and Lori Gardner
January 18, 2013
We really miss you Dad.
Gladys Wilson
January 18, 2013
I am so very sorry to hear of Keith's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Gladys Wilson
Ursula Lanzensberger
January 18, 2013
Dear Linda and Family, it makes me sad to hear about Keith's passing. It was always wonderful to meet him with his friends on his trips to Germany. I will always remember him because of his kindness. He was very special.
Julie Mann Weggeland
January 17, 2013
I just saw Keith at the Christmas A Cappella party. I can't believe he is gone. I have many great high schoom memeories of Keith and I am glad I was able to stay in touch with him.
January 17, 2013
Keith was a member of Utah Power Credit Union. We are going to miss his friendly face and his stories of his friends and family.Such a kind man. Our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
January 17, 2013
Keith was a kind, loving man and my heart goes out to all of his loved ones. I will always remember his wonderful smile and sparkling blue eyes. Nila Way will never be the same, nor any of those lucky enough to have known him.
Mary Langhorst Kortkamp
January 17, 2013
Truly saddened by this untimely loss...Keith gave us smiles & friendship plus special memories. A car nut we related to & will miss but never forget... Our love John & Lizzy Green
Calvin Rice
January 17, 2013
Sorry about your loss,i only had the pleasure of meeting the man once & i thought he was a very awesome man!! very glad i had the pleasure of meeting him!
Angie Thompson
January 17, 2013
Keith was a great man! A hard working man who loved his family. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, it is never easy to loose someone you love but it makes it easier knowing he is going to his true home in heaven. Love Angie
Victor Day
January 17, 2013
Keith will dearly missed by many people. I have always regarded him as a great friend.
Vic Day Utah
Eric Langhorst
January 17, 2013
What a wonderful man. So glad I got to see him this past September. He was always the coolest dad in the neighborhood.
Marge Langhorst Dunn
January 17, 2013
Keith was a lovely man and our family thought the world of him as a friend and neighbor. Our prayers are with you all at this very sad time.
Dale & Fran Baxter
January 17, 2013
So sad to hear about the passing of a very dear friend. He was a great example to us who are left behind. He will be sorley missed. We send our love to Linda and her family and want them to know of our love for them.
Kip Swan
January 17, 2013
Linda & Ryan,
I am very saddened to read of Keith's passing. We have many wonderful memories of Keith, especially his wonderful smile and the twinkle in his eye. We will all miss Keith. We know Lucy & Desi were at heaven's gate to great such a dear man.
Love and kind blessings,
Kip, Doug, Nali & Knox
Missy Seare
January 17, 2013
Dear Linda & Family, I am so saddened to hear of Keith's passing. He was so loved by all of us at the credit union. I enjoyed long talks with him on numerous occasions about cars, politics, ATV'ing, horses...you name it. It was always a pleasure to see his smiling face. He will be greatly missed. Love & Prayers to you all, Missy
Martha & John Wunderli
January 17, 2013
John and I cannot imagine life without our dear friend, Keith. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. We hope that the memories of happier times will provide solace. He brightened the world with kindness and joy.
Robbi hogan
January 17, 2013
Dear Family, my thoughts & prayers are with you. My memories of Keith over the past 34 years all make me smile. He always treated me kindly & made me laugh, what a funny guy ). My heart hurts with yours for your loss, he'll be so very missed. I pray your memories will give you some comfort during this time.
All my love, Robbi
Cody Hogan
January 17, 2013
I am saddened by the passing of Keith, he was so full of life and always had a good word for you , I will miss our little chats and his funny sayings over morning coffee at the shop. One of the good guys went home and we are left with a huge hole in his absence. God bless and keep all thoughts whom remain
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