Michael Ellsworth Gardiner

August 16, 1973 - February 10, 2021

Michael Ellsworth Gardiner, 47, died on February 10, 2021, surrounded by family and close friends after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Born on August 16, 1973, in Huntington, New York, he attended Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, Connecticut, St. George's School in Middletown, Rhode Island, and graduated in 1996 from Lehigh University, where he majored in History and International Finance. Michael lived in New York City, Chappaqua, New York, Princeton, New Jersey, Lynchburg, Virginia, Asheville, North Carolina, and most recently Charlottesville, Virginia.

A talented athlete, Michael was a breaststroke swimmer for the Seven Bridges Swamp Rats in Chappaqua and led his St. George's football and lacrosse teams. Donning jersey #43 for Lehigh's varsity lacrosse team, Gardiner was a formidable presence as the team's starting crease defenseman. Later he would run a half Ironman and two marathons.

Michael began his career in finance in Manhattan. After several years, he moved to Charlottesville, Virginia and changed course to follow his passion for coaching and teaching at The Covenant School and Virginia Episcopal School in Virginia, and most recently at Christ School in North Carolina, where he served as Associate Director of Admissions.

It was from the sideline that Gardiner created a significant and far-reaching legacy. Coaching young men on the lacrosse field suited his personality. He loved his players, listened without passing judgment, and worked to bring a team together. He was named the Virginia Independent Conference Lacrosse Coach of the Year in 2013, 2014, and 2015 and the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association ("VISAA") Boys Lacrosse Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2015. His Covenant School teams won the 2014 and 2015 Virginia state championships and his Virginia Episcopal School teams won the VISAA State Championships in 2016 and 2017. Over the last few months, many former players, parents, and colleagues have been in touch with Michael to express the positive impact he had on their lives.

Most importantly, Michael was large in stature, but gentle in nature, a quality so appreciated by his family and that led to the even larger circle that gathered around him. He was a loving and devoted son, brother, father, husband, and a cherished friend.

He is survived by his daughter, Madeline; his mother, Joyce Warren Gardiner; his former wife, Melissa Ward Gardiner; his siblings, Meg Gardiner, Sargent Gardiner, Willard Gardiner, and Daphne Trotter, and 12 beloved nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Michael's life is anticipated to be held in Charlottesville during March. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael's honor may be made to St. George's School online, https://www.stgeorges.edu/givetosg Lehigh University online; https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1127/g20/form.aspx?sid=1127&gid=1&pgid=5310&cid=9528&appealcode=WMLS or by mail; Lehigh University - Information Processing 306 S. New St., Suite 500 Bethlehem, PA 18015-1652, or Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation online; https://www.mjhfoundation.org/forms/donate-now---clover-lake-turkey-trot. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.

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Published by Daily Progress on Feb. 17, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Gardiner

4 Entries

Brooks Berry

March 17, 2021

My condolences to the friends and family of Mike Gardiner. I worked with Mike at the Covenant School when he was the lacrosse coach, and I was the athletic director. I am grateful for his friendship. Mike loved his family, always sharing stories with pride. He loved helping others. When it came to his programs he was always building, working, thinking, and helping. I am grateful for our time together. Mike and I shared enough meaningful conversations that I know we will meet again! - Brooks Berry

Anne McClintic

February 23, 2021

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mike´s passing. It was such a honor to cross paths with him during his time in Asheville. I count it as a great blessing to have learned from his great capacity for humility and kindness. He loved his family greatly, and that love was evident. Sending his family prayers for peace, comfort and all the find memories your heart can hold!