Robert "Bob" GARDNER

Robert J. Gardner passed away on September 1, 2022, in Post Falls, ID. Bob was born to Lyle Gardner and Alice Sabin Gardner in Yakima, WA, on November 16, 1953. The family moved to Oakesdale in 1955 where Bob attended school. Bob was involved in FFA and played sports. While in high school, Bob met Darlene Wilks. Bob graduated in 1972. After high school, Bob started working for the family business at Gardner and Smith in Oakesdale. Bob and Darlene were married on July 24, 1974. The business was sold in 1987, and Bob began working for Wilber Ellis until he retired in 2019. Bob was a volunteer firefighter and first responder in Oakesdale for 32 years.

Family came first for Bob. He would attend countless games and events all over the state supporting his kids and grandchildren. When he wasn't working, Bob enjoyed riding motorcycles, boating, fishing, grilling on his Traeger, spending evenings on the deck at the lake, and spending time with his kids and grandchildren. He was an active supporter of the FFA programs in both Tekoa and Oakesdale.

He and Darlene retired to the lake house where they currently reside. They have enjoyed winters in Arizona for the last 4 years.

Bob is survived by his wife, Darlene, his two sons Steve (Joey), Othello, WA, Jason, Henderson, NV, and his special daughter Tina, Sprague WA, his six grandchildren: Blake, Danika, Emma, Zane, Destiny, and Serenity. He is also survived by siblings Dave (Pat) of Tumwater WA; Linda Gardner of Ritzville; Sheryl Clark of Yakima, and Jo Lynn (Les) Pfaff of Garfield, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 12, 2022, at the Oakesdale Presbyterian Church. Dinner will follow at the Oakesdale Fire Station. Memorial gifts may be given to the Oakesdale or Tekoa FFA programs.