SACO — David Harper Gardner Jr. peacefully passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 30, 2014 with his loving family by his side. David fought a short, courageous battle with liver cancer, being defiant and stubborn to the very end.
David was born Jan. 31, 1949, the fourth of five children to Ruth and David H. Gardner Sr.
David had fond memories of working the family garden with his sisters until the family moved to Portland.
In 1967, prior to graduation, David enlisted in the Navy and served until he was honorably discharged.
After the service, David came back and graduated from Biddeford High School in 1973.
David went to work for Humpty Dumpty Potato Chip factory in Scarborough, where he met his wife of 43 years, Linda (White) Gardner. David also worked for the Saco Tannery, George R. Roberts, and spent his last 26 years working for the Scarborough School Transportation Department. David loved transporting “his” children for the Scarborough School Department, and especially enjoyed all of the after-school activity trips. When David retired, he said, “I will miss all of the smiles from the kids I met while doing what I loved.”
David enjoyed camping with his family and friends and fondly remembers the times with NAFCA 140. He also had other favorite activities: bowling at Roll-A-Way Lanes and Vacationland Bowling Center, playing golf with his father, children and brother-in-law, and ice fishing tournaments on Sebago. And his truly favorite activity was playing APA of Maine 8-Ball and 9-Ball Pool; thank you, Lisa and Wayne Pimpare. David’s all-time favorite activity was spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially at Barker’s Pond.
David was preceded in death by: both his parents; his sister, Vera Haskell; and brother-in-law, Melvin White.
He is survived by: his wife of 43 years, Linda Gardner; his three sons, David and Karen Gardner of Buxton, Chance and Jennifer Gardner of Biddeford and Kevin McMurtrie; and his daughter, Samantha Gardner of Saco.
He is also survived by: his sisters, Ruth Ouellette, Nellie Cottle and Christine State; brothers-in-law, James and Judy White of Saco and Daniel and Melissa White of Braden, Florida; as well as 13 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 3 from 5-7 p.m. at Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, 365 Main St., Saco. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. The family requests memorial donations be made to The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing, 29 Lowell St., 5th Floor, Lewiston, ME 04240.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.