ROBERT GARDINER

GARDINER--Robert.

Robert MacPherson "Stretch" Gardiner, age 95, of Gulfstream, Florida passed away on November 3, 2018. Cherished husband of Elizabeth Walker Gardiner, loving father of Margaret, Susan, Tom and the late Peter Gardiner, and grandfather of Robert and Alexandra Gardiner. Also survived by step-children, Stuart and Glynn Valentine, daughters-in-law, Donna Gardiner, Lisa Gardiner and Gabrielle Valentine, son-in-law, Rene Trespalacios, and step-grandchildren, Harrison, Chloe, and Winston Valentine. He was predeceased by his beloved son, Peter, his brother, Clement Gardiner, and his parents, Clement and Margaret Gardiner. Stretch was born on November 17, 1922 in Denver, Colorado and raised on Auburn Farm in Thurmont, Maryland. He attended Trinity-Pawling School and graduated from Princeton in 1943. During WWII he was a U.S. Army officer in the 78th Infantry Division serving in France and Germany for which he was highly decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Belgian Croix de Guerre. He began his distinguished Wall Street career at A.M. Kidder & Company, held several managing positions and was appointed Chairman at Reynolds Securities. He merged Reynolds with Dean Witter where he became the Chairman and CEO of the Financial Services Group and was instrumental in launching the Discover Card in 1986. After his retirement he continued to contribute his expertise and perspective as a Senior Advisor to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. He has served as chairman of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Vice-Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, and Chairman of the Securities Industry Association. He was a significant force in shaping the world of investing, playing a leading role in the formation of NASDAQ. He was also the author of The Morgan Stanley Guide to Personal Investing. His warmth and spirited wit enriched the lives of all who knew him. Mr. Gardiner was active on the Board of Directors of The Boys Club of New York, Trinity-Pawling School, Ethel Walker School, Peck School, Far Hills Country Day School and was a Trustee of the Guggenheim Museum. He was a member of Somerset Hills Country Club, The Essex Hunt Club, Blooming Grove Hunting and Fishing Club, The Links Club, The Pilgrims Society, The Bond Club, The Bankers Club of New York, Ekwanok Country Club, Gulfstream Golf Club, Gulfstream Bath and Tennis Club, Vineyard Golf, Edgartown Golf Club, Yacht Club, and Reading Room. Contributions in his memory may be made to The Boys Club of New York, 287 East 10th Street, New York, NY, 10009 or The Trinity Pawling School, 700 Route 22, Pawling, NY, 12564. Private burial in Thurmont, Maryland. A celebration of his life will be at a later date.