William Gardner Obituary


GARDNER Dr. WILLIAM A. GARDNER,JR. Dr. William A. Gardner, Jr., 72, an internationally recognized pathologist, died suddenly of a stroke on October 2, 2011 in Washington, DC. His forty-six years of service to the field of medicine began in South Carolina where he graduated from Wofford College, and earned an M.S. and an M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina. He held residencies at The Johns Hopkins Hospital; the Veterans Administration Hospital, Durham; and Duke University Medical Center where he was chief resident in pathology. His pathology fellowship was at The Johns Hopkins University. Gardner served as Director of Laboratory Services for Veterans Administration Medical Centers in Charleston, South Carolina from 1969-1976 and as Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Pathology at Vanderbilt University from 1976 until 1981. At the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Gardner served 21 years as Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathology and as Interim Dean and Vice President for Medical Affairs from 1997 to 1999. A leader among pathologists, he served as president and received distinguished service awards from the Association of Pathology Chairs and the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology. In 1996, he received a Fulbright Award to the Slovak Republic. In 2002, Bill and Ann settled happily in Washington, DC, where he served as Executive Director of the American Registry of Pathology and President and CEO of the International Registry of Pathology. A prolific researcher and writer, Gardner wrote numerous books, articles, reviews and abstracts on pathology mostly devoted to prostate cancer and his forward thinking research led to significant advances in his field. Well-known for his thought-provoking and entertaining presentations and lectures, he also sponsored numerous international exchanges with students and medical professionals that have had lasting impact in several countries. A mentor to scores of people, Gardner described himself as an educator and was well known to those he taught, formally or informally, as an outstanding teacher, physician, leader, mentor, and friend. His generosity of spirit, deep kindness and genuine enthusiasm for life rewarded him with a close knit, loving family and many dear friends who will forever treasure his memory. Gardner is survived by his wife of 51 years, Ann Medlin Gardner; his children, Elizabeth Gardner Schneider (Todd Schneider) of Alexandria, VA, Lee Gardner DeGroft (Aaron DeGroft) of Williamsburg, VA and William Dylan Gardner (Kirsten Winther Gardner) of South Pasadena, CA; seven grandchildren, Madelyn and Sam Schneider, Graham and Ellen DeGroft, William A. IV, Grace and Henry Gardner; and his sister, Betty Gardner Satterfield of Bowling Green, KY. A memorial service and reception to celebrate his life will be held on October 27, 2011 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Cosmos Club in Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation for the William A. Gardner, Jr., MD Scholarship Fund (MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee Street, MSC, 450, Charleston, SC 29425). A memorial service and reception to celebrate his life will be held on October 27, 2011 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Cosmos Club in Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation for the William A. Gardner, Jr., MD Scholarship Fund (MUSC Foundation, 18 Bee Street, MSC, 450, Charleston, SC 29425).

Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 16, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Gardner

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I knew Dr. Gardner as a medical student at South Alabama and saw him again after I became a pathologist during my fellowship at the AFIP. He took me to lunch and we talked about balloon cell melanoma, which he described in a case report in 1970. I just saw a recent posting of balloon cell melanoma and thought of him. He was intimidating at South Alabama, but a kind person and a great teacher.

Timothy Sorrells

School

October 11, 2022

Dr William Gardner was a pioneer in re-establishing the professional relationship between the American and Cuban pathologists. Now both Dr Gardner and Dr Borrajero are deceased and the relationship between these groups of pathologists, no longer exists. Let us pray that this relationship be resurrected in the near future with the blessings of both of them from heaven. May Dr William Gardner RIP and at the right hand of the Lord Almighty.

Teresa Vazquez

Other

October 9, 2022

Ann, You are fortunate to have your children close-by and I trust all are well.

Take heart--"For I am persuaded that neither life, or death, nor angels ,nor things present nor things to come
----shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. "
Romans 8;38--39.

DON

Donald H. Lindsey

Friend

October 14, 2020

As I mentioned in my original guest book entry, at the time of Dr Gardner's death, he was the inspiration to establish a scientific relationship between pathologists of the USA and Cuba. In 2016, a trip to Cuba was sponsored by the ARP to explore this relationship. At this time this process is at a halt but we do not loose hope that some day his dream will be complete and permanently fulfill.

Teresa Vazquez

Friend

October 11, 2020

I only learned of Bill's death earlier this month from a Columbia College classmate. She and I were both your bridesmaids when you and Bill were married in 1960. How well I remember how much in love you two were. It sounds like you built a wonderful life together. I'm so sorry you have lost him. I've thought about you often through the years amd would enjoy hearing from you.

Judy Gibson

June 2, 2012

This "MAN" is a wise man. He taught me so much. Please excuse my words if wisdom for I am using a mobile. i missed his homegoing! Ann my heart is yours do you remember me we shared lunch? It is his gift that allows me to stop this insert. I am most greatful will you please accept my apologizes. He taught me to never play around, wasting time. Library

Tina Holmes

November 11, 2011

To Ann and your Family...I was so sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Gardner.
He was a very special Man....I loved working for him and with him in Pathology.
You have my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you.
Diana

Diana Evans Jemison

November 10, 2011

Bill Gardner was a father brother and to me a beloved grand father,and I will never forget this amazing human-being. Now that he is gone my heart is crushed. I am the child of Lee De Groft and grandchild of bill, I will miss my grandfather dearly.I love you pop.

ellie De Groft

November 8, 2011

Dear Mrs. Gardner and family:

My name is Dr. Teresa Vazquez, I had known Dr. Gardner from seeing him at the USCAP for many years but did not met him officially until the meeting in 2010 in Washington D.C. What made us meet was our common interest in helping to bring the progress of pathology to the underserved countries, Cuba being my personal interest. Dr. Gardner was a very special man, a quality that I saw in him from the first time I met him. I learned of his death via an e-mail from Dr. Israel Borrajero (my professor of pathology from Cuba) who sent his condolences and who was deeply sadden by the news. The last time I spoke with Dr. Gardner he told me that the Cuban Office of Interest in D.C. was opening a bar where they will have music and that he had been invitated for the opening, he said he was planning to go and that I might want to come to attend the inaguration, unfortunately it was impossible for me to attend. He also told me that he was going to go to Cuba with the WHO but that his permission was not approved yet. He said not to tell anything to Dr. Borrajero until everything will be confirmed. I learned by James Bryant that the approval came the week before he died.
Men like Dr. Gardner do not come frequently. You have to be very proud of Dr. Gardner. His memory will live forever in those like me that had the opportunity to see the care that he had for those that were less privilege than us pathologists practicing in the USA.
You have my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you, Mrs. Gardner and with the rest of your family.

Teresa Vazquez, M.D.
1700 East 56th Street #2702
Chicago, IL 60637.

Teresa Vazquez

November 8, 2011

We are so sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful and kind man. We are so sad for ourselves too, he is such a nice memory for us. To lose such a man is a loss for all of us. Best wishes, we will pray for you and your family, Natasha and Maryna and family from Ukraine.

Natasha and Maryna

November 3, 2011

Dear Gardner family, we are thinking of all of you at this sad and difficult time. We are so very sorry for the loss of a marvelous human being--our memories are rich and grateful for his life full of service. Lee and Will, we are especially reminded of our rewarding experiences with you at USA. With sincere sympathy and every good wish,
Howard Mahan and Betty Brandon

October 31, 2011

Dear Ann,
Sorry I was not able to come to DC for Dr. Gardner's Memorial Service. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Naomi Gainey

October 27, 2011

Dear Ann and family, I was so sad to learn of Dr. Gardner's sudden death. I enjoyed working for him very much. He was a wonderful teacher. Ann, when you have sad thoughts, try to remember some of the funny things he said or did and end your sadness with a happy memory. I remember him calling to let us know about Madelyn's birth and how proud he was. One of the last times I spoke to him before my retirement, he was telling me about William Albert, IV. And now there are seven. My heart goes out to you and your precious family.

Joan Thompson Prockup

October 21, 2011

Dear Ann, and loved ones, Wayne and I will never forget the wonderful times we shared in your home. You and Bill were both such fun and warm hosts. Working with you Ann, was always a pleasure, and from that we became acquainted with your wonderful husband and family. Our sincere sympathy and loving prayers to you all.

Wayne & Cheryl Stricker

October 19, 2011

Dear Ann,

We were so saddened to learn of Bill's passing. Losing a loved one is so difficult, especially when it is so sudden. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and our hearts. We pray that your memories will help fill the emptiness and turn your tears to smiles.

Love,
Brenda & Ken

October 19, 2011

Dar Ann,
So sorry read abou Bill. I recall our get-to-gethers while he was in medical school here and shall not forget them. He had a distinguished career that ended too shortly. Condolances to you and your family.
Don

Don Lindsey

October 18, 2011

Dear Ann
I am sorry to read about Bill. We have shared good times together and wish I could be there in this time of sadness. Please be assured of my thoughts.
Don

Don Lindsey

October 18, 2011

Dear Ann,
Very sorry to hear about Bill's death. He had to be my favorite pathologist, so much humor and life in everything that he did. He will be greatly missed. I will remember him fondly, always.
Dan Hartmann

October 17, 2011

Ann and family,
We were saddened to read of Bill's untimely death. It has been many years since we carpooled together to East Cooper School and enjoyed our times in Hobcaw. Please give your children our love and sympathy. Sandra and Capers Poulnot

October 17, 2011

Dear Ann and family,
Much too soon, a most likeable and talented individual has been taken from this world. We are all the richer for having known Bill. His many career accomplishments will aid mankind possibly forever. If only all of us could leave such a legacy.

Tommie Cassels Major

October 17, 2011

Dearest Ms. Ann and Family I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you and know that I will keep you all in my prayers in the days ahead as I know what it is to loose a love one. My brothers and I still remember you and love you and your children. Love always,( Robin Alexander Smith Perez Ada Grace Medlin Smith's Daughter)

Robin Smith

October 16, 2011

we think of you and your family often, remembering the fun times our boys had and particularly the wry sense of humor Bill used in explaining STUFF to the boys...love Stacey and John B

October 16, 2011

I followed in my second cousin's footsteps to Wofford (where every professor still remembered him) and then to MUSC. He was an encouraging role model and fostered my love of medicine. He will never be forgotten. Carolyn Gardner Schultz, MD (John Gardner's daughter)

October 16, 2011

Bill Gardner and I were friends at Wofford and MUSC. We both returned to MUSC in the early 1970's to teach on the pathology faculty. Our children grew up together in Mt.Pleasant and our families were very close. We went to Miami and the Gardners went to Vanderbilt, but we never lost contact. We visited them in Mobile and many times in DC.

Bill was a giant in his field and especially in the teaching of medical students and residents.

He was truly a renaissance man, scholar, wonderful father and a very good friend.

Our world and our profession will be at a loss without him.

Charles L (Buddy) Garrett, MD

October 16, 2011

The loss of a loved one is always unfortunate.
Reflecting on valuable lessons learned while
you were with your loved one; those memories,
can be the very tool you need to help you to move on.
May God bless you with power beyond what is normal
to endure each day without the presence of your loved
one.- 2Cor. 4:7.

Juliette

October 16, 2011

In Christian concern and loving care, you were uplifted in prayer by The Mens Prayer Fellowship of Dauphin Way United Methodist Church.

October 16, 2011

I worked with Dr. Gardner at the AFIP where I spent many years as the Museum's archivist. We would talk history and archives off and on over the years. My condolences to his family - Michael Rhode

Michael Rhode

October 16, 2011

Dear Ann, I played basketball against Bill in high school days when he played for Manning. We were at Wofford together and life long friends. Bill was a great guy and a superb physician. His mentor, Dr. Gordon Hennigar, "The Chief", would have been extremely proud of his accomplishments. We are all lessened by his absence.

James A. Stuckey

October 16, 2011

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