Gordon Gardiner

Gordon B. Gardiner (“Tim”), 70, died in Bountiful, Utah on December 12, 2015. He was born May 11, 1945 in Ogden, Utah, the first child of Leslie M. and Elizabeth Jane Barnhart Gardiner. He was followed by siblings, Don and Julie, and a brother, Jon, who lived only a few minutes. Born with cerebral palsy, Tim faced his challenges with courage and faith, perseverance and good cheer. For many years he received physical and occupational therapy and in 1950 he was the state poster boy for Easter Seals. He spent many months in Primary Children’s Hospital and has fond memories of that time. Because of his physical handicap, he was initially excluded from public schools. His parents’ diligent efforts finally opened the doors for him to enter the public school system at the age of six. He attended Taylor Elementary, Central Jr. High and Ogden High School, graduating in 1964. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, Chemistry, and Math from Weber State University where he taught Physics labs the last two years he was there.
He began his formal teaching career in 1971 as a science and math teacher at Centerville Jr. High School. He enjoyed teaching his favorite subjects and he valued his students and colleagues. “Mr. Gardiner” had a lasting impact on many students during his 36 years there. Throughout his life, it was not unusual for him to meet former students who thanked him for his influence. Many told him that he was their favorite teacher, or that his class was the reason they chose the profession they did. He retired from teaching in 2007. Tim began working at Inkley’s when he was 21, another job that he loved. He worked part time for over 40 years at the Ogden and Bountiful stores, selling sound equipment and cameras to customers who returned often because of his expert knowledge.
Tim was an active member of the LDS church and served in various callings. He especially enjoyed interacting with his home teaching families and his home teachers. He was always very grateful for leaders during his teenage years who had reached out to him and made him feel loved and valued. He often commented on the profound impact they had in helping him make good choices in life.
In 1970 he married Kathleen Christensen in the Logan LDS Temple. He was the father of eight children, each of whom made their Dad very proud of them. He is survived by his wife, four sons: Scott and Sarah Gardiner, Tyler and Melinda Gardiner, Jonathan and Brittany Gardiner, Bryce and Kalie Gardiner and four daughters: Kristen Merrill, Katie and Shawn Walpole, Laurie and Ben George, Lindsey and Dallas George. “Grandpa Tim” leaves behind 30 grandchildren who adored him and enjoyed rides on his wheelchair. He is also survived by his brother Don Gardiner and his sister Julie Gardiner, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as a beloved lifelong friend and mentor, Dr. John Worley. He was preceded in death by his parents, who died within a few hours of each other.
Funeral services will be held in Bountiful on Saturday, December 19 at the Val Verda 9th Ward Chapel, 3317 South 800 West at 11:00 a.m. Friends may attend a viewing there from 9:30 to 10:45 that morning. Interment will be in the Ogden City Cemetery.