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BORN
1933
DIED
2024
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David Gardner Obituary
March 24, 1933 - January 2, 2024
David Pierpont Gardner, 90, former President of the University of California and the University of Utah, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024 at his home in Park City, Utah, surrounded by his loved ones.
David was born in Berkeley, Calif., on March 24, 1933 to Reed Snow Gardner and Margaret Pierpont Gardner. David was raised by his stepmother, Allie Dixon Gardner, following the passing of Margaret. On June 27, 1958, David married Elizabeth Fuhriman Gardner (Libby). After Libby's passing he married Sheila Sprague Gardner on December 27, 1995.
David attended Berkeley High School and completed his undergraduate work at BYU, followed by two years in the Army after the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, David earned his MA in political science and PhD in higher education from UC Berkeley.
In 1966, David served as Assistant Chancellor and then Vice Chancellor at UC Santa Barbara, and eventually as Vice President for the UC system. In 1973, David became President of the University of Utah, where he served until 1983 and was known for his visionary leadership and widely credited with leading the University through a significant period of progress and growth.
David also served as a visiting fellow in England at Cambridge University's Clare Hall and chaired the National Commission on Excellence in Education, which published its finding in the 1983 landmark report, A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform.
David was appointed President of the UC's 10-campus system in 1983. During his decade-long tenure, he made a significant impact on UC's position on the world-stage and on its growth and influence in the state of California.
After his retirement from UC, David was active on various boards, including the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, George S. and Dolores Eccles Foundation, J. Paul Getty Trust, Fluor Corporation, Huntsman Cancer Foundation, OC Tanner Lectures on Human Values, and The Nature Conservancy.
In 2005, at the request of UC Berkeley, David published his acclaimed memoir "Earning My Degree: Memoirs of an American University President."
David is survived by his wife, Sheila Sprague Gardner; and his children, Shari Olmstead and her husband, Eric, Lisa Pattenaude and her husband, Blair, Marci Dunne and her husband, Patrick, Karen Dee and her husband, David; stepson, Matthew Rodgers and his wife, Caroline; his sister, Vilate Trussel; his brothers, Reed Gardner and Jim Gardner; and seventeen beloved grandchildren. There will be two memorials honoring David:
Salt Lake City, Utah - A Tribute to David will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m., in the University of Utah's David P. Gardner Hall. Livestream available at https://www.utah.edu/live/
Berkeley, Calif. - A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 4:30 p.m., at The Faculty Club on the University of California, Berkeley campus.
Donations in David's honor, may be made to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation whose mission he was passionate about. More information at Legacy.com.
Memories and Condolences
for David Gardner
Sponsored by Larkin Sunset Lawn - Salt Lake City.
13 Entries
Jane MacCarter and the entire extended MacCarter family of Wild Horse Islan
February 13, 2024
Along with David Gardner and his family, my late husband Don MacCarter and I were also among the 'original Islanders'... a south shore neighbor of Dave's along Wild Horse Island. We always admired the superlative human being that Dave truly was... in so many ways.
Kathy Greene Hui
February 4, 2024
Sheila, I am so sorry. Please reach out when you are able.
Kathy Greene Hui
Sharon & Dennis Lehane
January 18, 2024
I remember the first time I met David I believe it was at a baseball game. He was sitting so proper with a gentle smile as he watched the game for Matthew and my son Greg. I was so intimated by his accomplishments but soon realized he was just simply the nicest, kindest non judgemental man with a funny sense of humor. I was so happy my dear friend Sheila found someone with so much to give as she did. Blessed to have had such a great mentor for my son in his youth as he spent time with the family in Utah. He will truly be missed but what he left behind is a footprint for mankind. Sending healing prayers.
Jean Merrill Wilson and Bob Wilson
January 10, 2024
I grew up in Berkeley Wdard in Berkeley, CA. We were always impressed with him and his family. We were impressed with his becoming President of University of Utah, and appreciate more information about him in the obituary. Condolences to his whole family. Love from Jean and Bob Wilson
patty reagan
January 9, 2024
One day, on a walk to probably something important on the U of U campus, Dr. Gardner stopped to ask me about the bike rack on my car. He then asked me how I was enjoying my time as a University professor and told me to come by his office if I ever needed anything. When he said goodbye and continued on his way, I was left a little overwhelmed that a University President would take time and a personal interest in me. As we shared the next few years on campus, I always felt that he had my back, protecting the University's academic freedom, promoting diversity, and championing excellence. He really was the best of the best.
Louis Moench
January 8, 2024
I did not know President Gardner personally, but I know of his stellar reputation and his remarkable lineage. His great grandfather was Robert Gardner, Jr., a Scottish immigrant to Canada, convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, immigrant again to USA, eventually to St. George where he became bishop and mayor and where his house still stands. Robert lamented that he had only 3 weeks of formal education, and embarrassed by this, in meetings he always tended to take a seat in the back. From his family line comes a remarkable list of educators, including David P. Gardner, former President of the University of Utah and then University of California, Jeffrey R. Holland, former President of BYU, Matthew S. Holland, former President of Utah Valley University, three Professors at Utah State University, and R. J. Snow, Vice-President of University of Utah and then of BYU. One of Robert´s descendents married a son of Louis F. Moench, founder of what is now Weber State University and its first President. Quite an unexpected legacy for a man who had 3 weeks of formal education. Thanks to David for all he has contributed to the college education of thousands of former students, and to the betterment this world we share.
Anne Cullimore Decker
January 7, 2024
Without question, one of the finest President of any University, and my most favorite President and friend. We were most fortunate to have him in our lives. We shall miss him. FLIGHTS OF ANGELS SING THEE TO THY REST.Thank you for your enormous contribution to our University and to my life.
Henrietta Matzen Ash
January 6, 2024
My condolences to the family of Dr. Gardner who was instrumental in the advanced education of my late husband, Paul E. Ash during his tenure at UCB. Dr. Gardner shall always be remembered with the utmost admiration z as bd respect.
Wendy L Akin
January 6, 2024
Sheila, So sorry to hear about David. I know you will miss him but what a wonderful life he had and he had you to enjoy his final days. Hugs, Wendy & Howard Akin
Bryan Trussel
January 6, 2024
I have so many fond memories of Uncle David. He moved to Salt Lake when I was around 10, and I was able to enjoy many evenings at his house with him, Libby, and my cousins. I would enjoy his dinner and after dinner conversations. Whether is was an old family story or current events, he always had a great sense of humor, storytelling, and optimism.
He was always kind to me and made me feel as if he had a true interest in my well being.
He would take my family to many sporting events at the University of Utah, that eventually became my undergraduate alma mater.
He had a natural warmth that made him likable to everyone he met. Despite his career successes, he was always accessible and down to earth. He was a great role model for me.
His impact on the world of education, his legacy being continued by his daughters, and his influence on a young kid will never be measured, but will be immeasurable.
Dave Livermore
January 5, 2024
David Gardner was a great academic leader, a great person and a special friend of conservation. His support for the work of the Nature Conservancy in Utah and the west through his positions at The George Eccles and Hewlett Foundations is legendary. His service on the Global Board of the Nature Conservancy was impactful. We will miss his quick wit, his special smile, his grace and his ability to work with people of all backgrounds. The world has lost a special man who accomplished so much in his 90 years. Rest in peace, David
Dave Livermore
Ambassador John Price and Marcia Price
January 4, 2024
So sorry to hear about David Gardner passing away.
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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Memorial Events
for David Gardner
Jan
12
Memorial service
11:00 a.m.
University of Utah's David P. Gardner Hall
UT
Jan
19
Celebration of Life
4:30 p.m.
The Faculty Club on the University of California, Berkeley campus
CA
Funeral services provided by:
Larkin Sunset Lawn - Salt Lake City2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
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