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Chris Gardner Obituary
Chris Leon Gardner, 58, of Blackfoot, passed away Friday, July 2, 2010, at Copper Basin in Custer County from injuries received in an ATV accident.
He was born May 1, 1952, at Williams AFB in Chandler, Ariz., the son of Spencer Leon and Bonnie Jean Whitney Gardner. Chris graduated from Blackfoot High School and continued his education, receiving a Bachelor of Science in education from Minot State University in North Dakota and a master's degree in education administration from Idaho State University.
On July 23, 1971, he married Wendy Lou Barrus in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served as high councilman, counselor in the bishopric and was currently serving in the Young Men's presidency in the Blackfoot 2nd Ward. Chris was a longtime resident of Blackfoot. He was a former elementary teacher, coach and principal in the Blackfoot School District, retiring in 2008. He was a self-employed builder and said he earned his master's degree by building his own house. He was currently serving on the Blackfoot City Council.
He officiated high school football and basketball for 30 years. He also officiated college basketball and many state and national tournaments. He enjoyed fishing, camping, motorcycles, skiing and traveling.
He is survived by his wife, Wendy of Blackfoot; children, Derek "Cott" (Misty) Gardner of Boise, Courtney (Jerry) Jensen of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Cayl (Heather) Gardner of Logan, Utah; siblings, Sharyn (Richard) Kearsley of Virginia and Layne Spencer "Skip" (Melanie) Gardner of Blackfoot; mother, Bonnie Whitney Gardner of Blackfoot; father-in-law, Edward (Yvonne) Barrus; and two grandchildren, Cale and Torin Gardner of Boise.
He was preceded in death by his father, Spencer Leon Gardner, and mother-in-law, Norma Barrus.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 12, at the Blackfoot LDS East Stake Center, 1289 Mount Putnam Drive in Blackfoot, with Bishop Collin Cook conducting. The family will meet with friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Hawker Funeral Home, 132 S. Shilling Ave., and for one hour prior to the services at the stake center. Interment will be in Grove City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Chris Leon Gardner Scholarship Fund, c/o Zions Bank, 1350 Parkway Drive Blackfoot, ID 83221. Condolences may be sent to the family at condolences@ hawkerfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chris Gardner
5 Entries
Julie Oliver
August 17, 2010
Dear Wendy and family, We are so sad to hear about the loss of your wonderful Chris. I have such fond memories of the Barrus's and our growing up years in Groveland, and of watching you and Chris courting in high school. Our family loved and respected the Gardner's - Mom, especially, really enjoyed working with Spence. And there was not a better English teacher than Bonnie! Chris carried on the Gardner name with integrity. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers. We're grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge of eternal families. It makes the grief manageable. We love you. Take care. XOXOX
Julie Johnson Oliver and family
Ken and Stacy Johnson and family
Russ and MaryAnn Johnson and family
Janan Clark
July 8, 2010
Gardner Family: My heartfelt sympathy for your loss...I am truly saddened. Will always fondly remember the steak and home ice cream dinners at your home in Blackfoot all those years ago. Also, the story of the cat climbing through the bedroom window! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joyce & Jerry (Barrus) Brown
July 8, 2010
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Ryan Holmes
July 8, 2010
Chris was a great man who will not be forgotten. As a young official, Chris was always a kind teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gardner family.
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