Glenn H. Gardner

Glenn H. Gardner
November 12, 1952 ~ June 25, 2010

SALINAS - Glenn died at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital after being diagnosed with lung cancer earlier in June. He was 57 years old.
Born in Port Huron, Michigan, Glenn spent most of his life in California. He grew up in Temple City, where he attended Arroyo High School. During high school years, he played saxophone in the marching band, becoming the president of the marching band in his senior year. He graduated in 1970.
In 1971 he attended Northrup Institute of Technology in Inglewood, CA and obtained an Airframe and Power Plant Technical Degree. Glenn worked in the field briefly and realized that this career path didn't suit him. He then enrolled in California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, completed his senior project on the Salt Marsh in Morro Bay, and earned his bachelor's degree in Biology in 1976.
Glenn began his 30-year career as a commercial orchid grower at Orchids of Los Osos, then migrated to Monterey County where he worked at the Orchid Zone, Ltd. His major contribution to the orchid world came about when he affiliated with Matsui Nursery, Inc. and became an integral part of their orchid team. His orchid expertise also provided Glenn with opportunities to travel to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Japan.
Throughout his life, Glenn had an innate love of science and the natural world. Growing up, he sought to find out the how and why of the world and all that is in it. From the simple to ornate, Glenn yearned and often found the answers in the most unassuming, seeing true beauty in things that most see as common.
Glenn's many talents and passions included astronomy, photography, and Major League Baseball. He had a true affinity with the natural world. He bred and kept several species of turtles and tortoises, and participated in a turtle research project in St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Through much of his life Glenn had a dog by his side. He loved music and was a lifelong fan of the Grateful Dead. As they sang "If you get confused, listen to the music play."
Glenn was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Marjorie Gardner. He is survived by his older brother, Jerry and sister-in- law, Markie of Keaau, HI; and by his younger brother, Karl and sister- in-law, Kim of Joshua Tree, CA; and by his best friend, Valerie Henderson of Salinas, CA.
Donations may be made in memory of Glenn to any of the following organizations: Elkhorn Slough Foundation, Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, or the Rex Foundation.
A Celebration of Glenn's life with be held at his home at 22 Victor Circle in Salinas on Sunday, August 1, 2010 from noon to 5:00 pm.