Russell Flynn Gardner, 89 of Jefferson, MD

Passed Tuesday, September 19, 2023 peacefully at home with his wife

Beloved husband of Christine M. (Dieker) Gardner

He was born November 25, 1933 in Baltimore, MD

The son of the late Russell H. Gardner and late Ida Virginia (McAfee) Gardner

He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving from 1955 to 1963, a member of AMA and MECA

He was a retired Model Maker and Draftsman having worked for John Hopkins University, Bechtel Power Corp, and Optelecom. Surviving in addition to his wife are son Glenn Russell Gardner of Greenbelt, MD and daughter Nancy Flynn Gardner and companion Frederick of Salt Point, NY

Graveside Services will be held at a later date in St. Teresa's Cemetery, KS

Russsell you finally got your wings. "Fly High Russell"

Online condolences at www.burrier-queen.com

Donations maybe made to Hospice of Frederick County, 1 Frederick Health Way Frederick, MD 21701 Russell F Gardner

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Frederick News-Post from Sep. 22 to Sep. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Gardner

Sponsored by Burrier-Queen Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A. - Sykesville.

7 Entries

Nancy Gardner

November 3, 2023

At times Dad was full of outgoing silliness, especially in later years. Suddenly breaking out into a chorus of `Short´nin´ Bread´, for example. Dad would often say in his later years with a smile, "Life can be fun if you let it!" Explaining how so many people try to control things and they make themselves miserable in the process. And if they´d just learn to let go and just let life happen, it could be fun! Dad could be very insightful philosophically. And outspoken about his point of view. "You don´t hunt animals!", he´d say adamantly. He had a soft spot for animals for sure, patting our cat Fred on the top of his head affectionately. aww.. He explained how he made a point all of his life to focus on the positives in life and in people. That way people would feel more encouraged to bring out more of the positives within themselves!

Very early on Dad taught me to always use the `magic words´ (Please and Thank You). He taught me to treat others with respect and to appreciate what others did for me.

I was always fascinated by Dad´s side of the basement. There was so much interesting stuff hanging from the ceiling and stacked all around. Model engines, airplanes, magic tricks. That was always fun! And Dad´s enthusiastic harmonica playing there at his workbench. And off to `Short´nin´ Bread´ once again! Dad spent hours working meticulously there at his workbench rebuilding the model airplane engines that he loved so much with exact precision. He was so good at it! It was his lifelong passion.

One of my very favorite things was the glow-in-the-dark skull he kept in the back of the basement. He´d sure make a lot of good boogie-man sounds with that skull! He was good at that! I heard that boogie-man sound often.

And I have very early memories of Dad often making a perfect little squirrel out of his handkerchief (with little white ears even!) and making it jump out of his hands and over my shoulder! That always amazed me!

And the fun horror movies we enjoyed together. Little Shop of Horrors! And West World! And the Incredible Hulk, Wonder Woman and Lost in Space. He especially liked Dr. Smith on Lost in Space. I can still hear him belly laughing now! And early Star Trek, too! He took my brother and me to a Star Trek convention as well as the Smithsonian. To the Air and Space Museum, of course!

Just before I started Kindergarten in 1971, Dad brought us from inner city Baltimore to Briercrest in Jefferson, Maryland which was a beautiful new development out in the country. He worked hard to get us out of the inner city, and I appreciate that so much!

And it was a really nice tradition, Dad taking us to see the big fireworks at the Frederick Shopping Center for the fourth of July every year.

He took us to the Bechtel company picnic with clowns twisting balloons into animals and all you could eat free ice cream! Dad knows how much I liked that ice cream.

I remember as a kid how Dad would often ask, "Is everybody happy?" from the front seat of the car. That´s what he wanted.

I really liked those times when Dad took me out to get banana splits! Pop a balloon to see what it costs today. I remember! They were really good! And it was so nice spending a little time with Dad.

In later years especially with his amazing wife Chris he loved to laugh and joke around. Boy did I hear a lot of crazy stories of Dad´s antics!

He´d always refer to his birthday as `Gardner-mas´ because it was on November 25th, exactly one month before Christmas!

Dad liked to reminisce about his past and he spoke often about his times in the Air Force. Dad was a sergeant and really loved building and flying model airplanes the control line way, inspired by his aunt getting him into the hobby at age 13. He even started a club in the Air Force just for that purpose, which enriched the lives of so many.

I tried control line model airplane flying once and I´ll have to say it wasn´t easy! I spun around only a few times and fell down!

Dad won tons of trophies flying his model airplanes. He was the best around! And the head of the model airplane club for a while, too.

But the best part of Dad´s model engine collecting was all of the good friends he made through the hobby.

Dad once told me how when he was in the Air Force the `troubled Air Force kids´ would be assigned to him because his superiors knew he would be more patient with them. I remember Dad showing me a drawing he had saved all of these years that one of these young Air Force members had drawn when he was assigned to Dad. Dad sat him down and asked him to draw a picture (giving him something to do). And the kid drew him this amazing, crazy looking monster! That was very touching to see. Dad had saved it all these years! And it was a great monster drawing, too!

I´m so proud of all Dad did in life and his concern for others.

Dad and I both have the middle name Flynn, as a member of each generation of the Gardner family had through the years, starting with the original Flynn Gardner from Finksburg, Maryland born in 1780. That´s so special to me!

He told me his wife Chris was his guardian angel! He was so right.
Chris was Dad's biggest advocate.

Thank you for all the good times, Dad and for working so hard and getting us out of Baltimore. And for all of your insightful, helpful advice. You had a deep understanding of people, of the human psyche.

Thank you for being so funny too, Dad! You made a lot of people have a much better day.

I hope everything is really good out there in the great beyond!
I´ll always love you with all my heart, Dad

Lots of love!! Nancy

Kelli (Draper) Maze

September 28, 2023

Nancy, Sorry for your loss

Dennis Roach sr

September 22, 2023

We are so sorry to hear of Russell passing away. I was a friend of his and use to see and talk to him at the AMA flea markets. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Denny and Missie and family

Rhonda Russo

September 22, 2023

Russ was a highly intelligent and fun loving person! He was always a joy to be around! Fly high, Russ ...

Mary Adamy

September 21, 2023

So sorry for your loss, Chris. God bless you and comfort you during this sad time.

Love,

Mary Dieker Adamy

Rita

September 21, 2023

Thinking of you Chris. I will always remember how funny Russ was especially the first time you came out to dad and moms. Prayers for you, Cousin Rita Dieker

Rev. James P. Dieker

September 21, 2023

Grateful for his cigar smoking humor!

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