Robert Chad Gardner

Robert Chad Gardner "Chad" Chad passed August 18, 2005, from complications due to pancreatic cancer in Salt Lake City, UT. Born December 31, 1951 in Vernal, Utah, to Annie Ella Hall and Harold J. Gardner, Sr. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jay, Ken and Kevin; sisters, Patsy Anne and Marjorie Jane. He is survived by wife of 21 years and best friend, Deanna; son, Chris (Tiffany); daughter, Collette (Tod) Marchant; grandsons, Skyler, Caden and Caleb; granddaughter, Madalyn; sisters, Suanne and Maridee. Chad attended elementary in the Glendale, UT area. Attended high school in San Jose, CA, and graduated from South High School in Salt Lake City, UT. Chad attended SLCC earning a 3.95 GPA in Paralegal Science. In 1971 was married to Diane Stensrud of Salt Lake City, Utah, later divorced. Chad managed Discount Records in downtown Salt Lake in the early '70s. Musiclands in Boulder, CO, Layton and Ogden, UT. In 1980 Chad drove pilot cars with his mother and partner, Annie, forming Gardner Pilot Service and continued following her death until 2001 safely delivering hundreds of over-sized loads across the nation including parts of the space shuttle after the Challenger disaster, sections of "The Tree" outside Wendover and mining equipment for Kennecott. Chad's "religion" throughout his life was music. His first job as a kid was cleaning the KNAK Radio station to earn 45's. He ran the radio station at Piedmont Hills High School in San Jose, ran lights and sound for the band, Hotspurz, and later DJ'd "Thursday Night Oldies" at the Bongo Lounge. In 2002 it was Chad's pleasure to be a driver for NBC employees and celebrities during the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Highlights of Chad's life include meeting Robert Kennedy three days prior to his assassination, attending high school with the original Doobie Brothers, attending PE class taught by Coach McBride, interviewing the Doors and Youngbloods and meeting and forming friendships with several musicians and politicians. Chad believed in good music, lyrics that mean something, equal rights, fair play, truth and reality. He loved to travel and enjoyed the diversity of our nation's beauty and the many cultures of our people. Chad was a great cook who loved to create and will always be remembered as the "Living Legend of the BBQ". Chad was a very passionate person who always had a hand to give to anyone who was in need. He gave many hours of love and dedication raising money for MS research. His quick and intellectual wit was rarely surpassed. He loved a great joke and always had one at the ready! He enjoyed informed and educated discussions on politics, ecology, and sociology. Chad was a diplomatic individual with incredible grace and integrity. Those of us who were part of Chad's life are the richer for it- those who never knew him missed out on a fantastic journey. A Celebration of Life service and interment will be held Wednesday, August 24th at 2 p.m. at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Murray. A wake will be held Tuesday, August 23rd, at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, where friends are invited to call upon the family between the hours of 5-9 p.m. Valet parking will be provided by the mortuary. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr Ray Price, Dr Peter Nielsen, the staff of LDS West 6th and ICU and all the friends who comforted Chad during his illness. Chad was never afraid to die because he was never afraid to live.