Donald (Tommie) Gardner Obituary
Loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, Donald Thomas Gardner, 77, passed away July, 14 2014 after a brave battle with cancer, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Mt Angel, Oregon. Don loved his family and our memories of him will be forever cherished in our hearts. We love and Miss him so much!
Donald “Tommie” Gardner was born November 17, 1937 to Donald Ira Gardner and Coral Audrey Johnson in Minot, North Dakota. Don graduated from New Town High School and was a veteran of the Untied States Air Force. He married his love Patricia Joy Tennis of Great Falls, Montana on Oct. 18, 1958. Working in telecommunications field for most of his life. Don loved being a part of the advancements in his field. His work taking him all over the Untied States and South East Asia. Growing up he was a member of the drum and bugle corps and served in the Air Force Band and Honor Guard. He went on to be a drummer in local bands and had a great love for music..
Don had a passion for genealogy and upon retirement took his love of documenting family history’s full time. Don enjoyed volunteering at Silver Creek Falls State Park as well as many family history sites. He loved North Dakota and enjoyed telling Ole and Lena Norwegian jokes. They never got old. Don enjoyed watching the birds who’d visit the beautiful flower gardens He and Pat would create..
Don was survived by his Wife Patricia Joy Gardner (Tennis) who passed away the following year as well as 5 children, Cheryl Ann Weatherly (Tim) of Salem, Oregon, Lisa Elaine Gayman of Salem, Oregon. Beth Renee Bruggman (Billy) of Salt Lake City, Utah, David Todd Gardner (Shanie) of Amite La and Christopher Scott Gardner of Albany, Oregon. Don had 12 grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren.
Donald Thomas Gardner was laid to rest in the Gardner family plot next to his Parents and Brother at the Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Makoti, North Dakota. Don was preceded in death by his son Donald Shawn Gardner of Shreveport La.
