Michael Gardner

1958 - 2015

GARDNER

Michael J.



Michael J. Gardner, 57, of Findlay, OH. died Thursday morning, December 10, 2015, at his residence of natural causes.

A native of Findlay, Michael was a successful businessman and philanthropist whose generosity encompassed contributions of his time as well as financial support to a wide range of entities in the arts, medical and social services, education, and youth activities. Most recently he provided significant sponsorships for the new Marathon Arts Center and the Blanchard Valley Health System, Cancer Care Center, for which he provided a healing garden in memory of his mother, Virginia. Michael was a member of the Board of Trustees of The University of Findlay, for which he and his wife, Robin, established and continue to help the growth of the Mazza Museum, the only museum of its kind offering a collection of international art from picture books to provide arts experiences for children. During his long time involvement with the Boy Scouts, he provided funding for a variety of projects, including construction of a shelter house, at Camp Berry Boy Scout Reservation in Findlay. Dedicated to enhancing the vibrancy of downtown Findlay, Michael was a leader in multiple renovations that repurposed older buildings primarily on Main Street to protect and honor the city's rich history. His renovations are characterized as having a strong attention to detail in an effort to maintain as many of the original architectural features as possible within the constraints of current energy and construction requirements. Michael's most recent renovations were The Gathering Restaurant and the Gathering Wine store, which he owned and reflect his keen interest in cuisine and wines from around the world.

Michael was the chief executive officer of Superior Trim, headquartered in Findlay and a leading international operation, which provides interior trim products used in heavy trucks. He began his career in 1981 with an entry-level position in Findlay Industries, his family's business that manufactured interiors used by major automobile companies in passenger vehicles. He progressed through a series of positions of increasing responsibility through 1995 to become vice president with the company. In 1997, Michael acquired the operations of Superior Trim in Findlay and led its growth from one small manufacturing facility in Findlay to six plants in the U.S. and Mexico employing more than 400 people. In 2015, Superior Trim received the highly coveted Diamond Supplier Award for the second year in a row from Navistar International Corporation in recognition of the company's outstanding performance that exceeded performance expectations for quality, delivery and technology, and cost. The award was presented to Navistar's elite group of only 25 top-performing suppliers out of more than 1,200.

Michael was born on September 2, 1958, in Findlay, Ohio to the late Philip D. and Virginia B. (Shaffer) Gardner. On May 3, 1985, he married Robin L. Bickford and she survives, along with their two sons, Michael J. Gardner II, a student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Philip D. Gardner II, a student at Maumee Valley Country Day School, both of Findlay. His brother, Philip J. Gardner, of Findlay, also survives.

Michael graduated from Findlay High School in 1976, received his bachelor of science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio in 1981, and from 1995 to 1997 completed masters level coursework at Bowling Green State University.

He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 16 with Monsignor Michael Hohenbrink officiating. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, 205 W. Sandusky St., Findlay, OH. Entombment in the Gardner Family Mausoleum in Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay will follow the mass.

Memorials in his memory may be given in keeping with Michael's philosophy of "paying it forward" to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Teddy's Rescue, the Humane Society, Camp Berry or to the charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences are welcomed at:

www.coldrencrates.com