Gregory Gardner

Gregory (Greg) GARDNER 'Our relief from his suffering having ended remains unmatched by the pain of his absence" Gregory Dean Gardner, 60, slipped away too soon on March 10, 2011 after challenging cancer for more than 5 years. Held closely by his sister, Susan, dear friends and his Sally Cat, he joined his deceased parents, Robert and Aline Gardner, who embrace him with loving arms. Despite 25 years in San Diego, Greg's heart remained attached to his birthplace - Queen Anne Hill. He is a proud alumna of John Hay (favorite teacher - Miss Bell) and McClure Jr. High (most hated class - Woodshop). On to Queen Anne H.S. where sports bonded many 1969 grads into a still-active alumni to this day. Most continued to the U. of Washington where Greg pursued a degree in Justice and Society, minor in Psychology, affiliated with Phi Delta Theta fraternity. His University years further deepened friendships and his reverence for Husky football, Jim Owens and 2-platoon players of the 1950's and 60's. He settled in San Diego in 1985 working within the Criminal Justice system, i.e, Case Manager for federal parolees, individual and group Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and Pre-Sentence Investigator for Judges. His calm demeanor also drew him into arbitration and training. A bachelor, he had 'toys'...'66 Mustang, sports memorabilia, collectible LIFE magazines from '40's,' 50's,60's; unusual Hawaiian shirts and restored baseball jerseys - i.e., Willie Mays, whose integrity on/off the field was his inspiration in life. But Greg's real treasures were his life-long friendships and his wicked wit, written and spoken. How lucky to be a recipient of both. Love for childhood friends and family was fierce, unbroken. Laugh-filled phone calls, savored postcards, unexpected sports gifts are legendary - sadly missed now. Behind his easy smile and laconic speed was a man who 'showed' up to comfort, to celebrate, to share. John Varga, Jim Eicher, Marc & Greg Pease, Smitty, Mike O, Patrick, Larry Phillips were among his 'brothers'. His adoring sister, close 'brothers', and special women friends sustained him during his journey with cancer, having also taken his father in 2005. Never complaining, he took every option to extend his life; his suffering was unspeakable at times but he wanted to enjoy our company another day. He is survived by his heartbroken sister, Susan Gardner Lucier, and her partner, Walt; Sally Cat, the boss of his home....and many loving Uncles, Aunts and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Aline, and by high school classmate and college roommate, Mike Arch (April 5, 2010). Memorial Mass and Reception will begin at 11:00 a.m, this Saturday, April 16, 2011 at St. Anne Catholic Church, 1411 1st Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98109 (Queen Anne Hill). Please join us for a warm 'thank you' for Greg's presence in our lives. Please share your memories at www.legacy.com or caringbridge.com (greggardner website.)