Name: Visitation for Elbert W. "Al" Gardner
Start: 2016-02-05T01:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-02-05T03:00:00.000Z
Location: Bunker Family Funerals & Cremation - University Chapel

Gardner, Elbert ("Al") W.
Elbert ("Al") W. Gardner passed away on January 28, 2016 in Mesa, Arizona. Al was born on May 15, 1931 in Ely, Nevada and grew up on his family farm in Lund, Nevada. During his senior year at the University of Nevada, Al was selected from the ROTC program to attend pilot training school. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force and began his fighter pilot career. During his first assignment at Williams Air Force Base, he met and courted Kathleen Dewitt. The couple was married in the Mesa Arizona Temple in 1957 and had two children. Al loved his aviation career as a fighter pilot serving in Vietnam War, a pilot instructor, a liaison officer to the Air Force Academy, a commercial pilot and a leisure pilot, up until his passing. He was also a successful real estate investor and developer. Al was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities and contributing generously to the missionary program and BYU. Al's great love was BYU Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center where he used his talents and treasures to help young people from Asia and the Pacific Islands obtain scholarships, and fulfill their dreams. Al's generosity blessed generations of people around the world. Al loved his family, his pioneer heritage, golf, traveling, and mentoring those of future generations. Al is survived by his beautiful wife of 58 years, Kathleen Gardner; two daughters, Robin Juvan and Kelli (Todd) Shell; six grandchildren, Donny (Jessica) Juvan, Tanner Shell, Lyndi (Matt) Cardall, Krystal (Jason) Arnett, Cami (Ryan) Tolley and Brady Juvan; and 14 great-grandchildren. Al is also survived by two sisters, Sherril Passey and Mary Ann Hearn and sister-in-law, Sherrill Crouch. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Helen Gardner; sister, Vesta Gardner; brother, Robert Gardner; and brother-in-law's, Jim Crouch, Jim Passey and Jerry Hearn. Visitation will be Thursday, February 4, 2016, 6-8 pm at Bunker's University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr., Mesa, Arizona and from 9:00 to 9:30 am, prior to funeral services at 10 am on Friday, February 5, 2016 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meeting house, 3920 E. Brown Rd, Mesa, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Al Gardner be made to the Polynesian Cultural Center "PCC Talent Award", 1450 N. University Ave., Provo, UT 84604 or https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/donations/byu-hawaii/pcc-talent-award.html. The PCC Talent Award was established by Al at President Grace's request and assists in providing educational scholarships to talented students working and performing at the PCC. Arrangements by Bunker's Garden Chapel.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Feb. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Elbert Gardner

15 Entries

Kyle Tresner

January 26, 2021

I miss him. He was such an incredible mentor to me especially as I started the Journey Youth Leadership program. Some days, I wish I could call like I used to in order to “run something by” him foe his thoughts and insights. He never pushed his ideas as right or what I would have to do, just wise counsel. Always wise counsel! He saw his added years as a gift from Heavenly Father and sought only to serve with those “added years” and that’s exactly the type of person I want to be. I’ve got a long way to go to be like Al, but I’m trying. I miss him. I wish he was here to help me on that continued Journey. Much love to Kathleen and the kids. He’s very remembered by so many lives he touched.

Mari Solano

March 2, 2016

Robin, Kelli, and Mrs. Gardner, I know this is late but we just learned today of Mr. Gardner's passing. On behalf of my father Lorenzo, my brothers, sister, and I, we send our heartfelt condolences . May you find strength and comfort in your loving memories and may Mr. Gardner rest in peace.

Bryan Carpenter

February 20, 2016

I loved working with Al on his donations to BYU...so pleasant and comfortable to talk to. I look forward to being his friend as we all transfer to the next life.

Joseph O'Neill

February 8, 2016

Just learned of Al's passing thru the Colorado Air National Guard. Flew with Al in F-100's in Colorado and Vietnam. Excellent aviator and a fine gentleman. God speed Al.

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Ann Louise Gardner Alger

February 6, 2016

As a child growing up in Lund, my memory of Elbert was and always will be, his low flying "fly bys" (I'd guess you call it) as he came roaring just above Lund's tree tops on special occasions. We all knew Elbert was in the cockpit. Such a fun memory as jets were so rare in those days as Elbert was such a rare and fascinating man and cousin to all the Gardners and Carters in Lund. Condolences to his family and friends.

Ilene Ferris

February 5, 2016

I have been thinking of cousin Elbert, as we knew him during our growing up years in Lund.
The first memories I have of him, is when he would come to the store with Elaine Hendrix, his steady girl friend. They would sit on the counters and laugh, drink pop and swing their legs. Another memory I have is when he rode his big black hours right up the steps and into the store. Who knows what this was all about?
We loved it when the college kids would come home for the FFA Carnival at Thanksgiving time. We really looked up to them.
For many years he would buzz Lund in the big fighter jet. Keith Ivins was really frightened and laid down on the haystack.
In 1997 we both found ourselves on the reenactment of the 1847 journey from Winter Quarter to Salt Lake City. We went back together in my minivan. He slept in the van and drove the mule team. He always put my tent up in record time and I was one of the walkers. In 1998 we all loved the treck from Pine Valley to Lund. We honored our beloved pioneer ancestors.
Al credited my father, Arthur Nelson Carter, with encouraging him to make his first investment.
Cousin Elbert was bigger than life. I am sure it was and still is a joy filled reunion with his Savior and his family.
I send my love and sympathy to all the family. Ilene Carter Ferris

February 5, 2016

Jean and I express our best wishes to Kathleen and family. We admire Al for his hard work, generosity and leadership and know he will be greatly missed by those whose lives he has blessed.

Mark and Jean Whitney
Highland, Utah

Richard Cardall

February 5, 2016

It is an honor and a privilege to know Al Gardner, truly a man for all seasons.

Tim Critchlow

February 5, 2016

We just learned of the death of Al Gardner. Al was one of the finest Christian men we have ever known. He possessed the steady eye of a fighter pilot, the calloused hands of a man who knew and loved the earth and a generous heart that was bigger than the great outdoors. He loved all of God's children. Al had an eye for beauty and he won the love of an angel, Kathleen Dewitt. We cherish their association and memory. Kathleen, Robin and Kelli, we share your family's loss, but we will always remember the time we spent with you and Al in Hawaii, doing the work that Al loved. Erin and I send our love. Aloha

Robin Bingham

February 4, 2016

He will be missed so much. He was a great man who loved his family.

Rocky Calveri

February 4, 2016

Al, You will be sorely missed by all. Thank you for mentoring me in my Professional Aviation career. I always loved our long discussions about aviation. Now you don't need a plane to fly!
Thank you al!

Kyle Tresner

February 4, 2016

I am so saddened by the news of Al's passing. Without question, he is one of the most kind, gentle, and genuine people I have ever known. He has been a great mentor to me and I feel blessed to call him my friend. There's no question that his life was preserved on many occasions because the Lord knew he could use Al as his tool to bless many lives... And that's exactly what Al loved to be. He truly impacted many, many lives. My sympathies to Kathleen and all of the family. I have so much love and respect for Al and can only hope to become as good of a man as he was.

February 3, 2016

Al was quite a guy and he will be missed. I am sending my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends. May you find peace in knowing that God cares and will help you through these difficult times.-1Peter 5:6,7.

Kenneth McCarty

February 3, 2016

I can honestly say... Al Gardner ranks at the very top of my list of favorite people... I have always looked up to him... He is one of the Kindest, most compassionate, and generous individuals that I have been blessed to know on this earth. He is an example to all who know him. He has left a legacy that will never be forgotten... I love you Al Gardner... You will be missed my good friend... Ken McCarty

At the Sun's game!

Alan Moore

February 3, 2016

I write to honor a great hero in our lives. He has lifted me and tens of thousands of others all around the world. It is very hard to accept that I will not be able to call him or drop by for a visit. He will always be a dear friend. We send our love to Kathleen, Robin, Kelli and the whole family.

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