Dear Gardner Family,
Where in the world do I begin?? RAG a better friend I have never had. He always gave and never asked for anything in return.
You built my first car engine. We hunted, fished, road raced, and water skied to mention but a few.
We both worked for Biron and Worthen and bought our Corvettes together. You had RAG and I had REPJR.
You were the brother I never had, and a better one I could not have picked. You taught me to pull wrenches and fix my own cars. You taught me to respect others and never crossed the line except for family or friends.
All our road racing on Elm Street, I never won once. Your 57 Chevy and the 68 Chevelle always fun to cruise in. The late nights working on my car and Echo not to pleased with us. Honest Echo we were not chasing chicks.
We both parted company back in 1976, little did we know our paths would never cross again.
It comes as no surprise that Dick lived out his short life caring and sharing with family and friends, the Guestbook shares much of that.
On February 22, 2015 at 5 am, the day before Dick left to meet his maker, I suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital. I am doing fine, but the lump in my throat and the tears in my eyes reflect the bond that Dick and I once shared. Can you just imagine the drag race to the Pearly Gates that would have been??
I could go on for hours.
Echo, thank you for taking good care of Dick, and part with these thoughts.
Life is a short track, turn left, drive fast and hug a friend.
XXOO Bob Jr.
PS Hey Dick, Thank you for letting me be your friend, I love you man.
02Mar2015
Dad
02Mar2015
Dad
02Mar2015
Dad
02Mar2015
Dick wasn't practicing his casting on this day
02Mar2015
Dick
02Mar2015
Dick 2
02Mar2015
Dick 1
02Mar2015
Aunt Echo, I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Dick. While I don't have a lot of memories, the few that I have are full of love and laughter! You were both so warm and welcoming to Kinsey and I when we visited with Brenda and Kelsey! We immediately felt like part of the family. Please know that I am sending love and prayers your way, in hopes that it helps you move through this sad time...
26Feb2015
Uncle Dick,
I look at your picture and obituary in disbelief. You were the most selfless person I've ever met. Your smile, Beavis and Butthead chuckle, and your giving, warm personality is engrained in me forever. I, along with so many others, will miss you so very much. I am glad over the last few years we had come to say 'I love you' as we parted from NH/FL visits... because I love you. My memories of days with you are cherished. Watch over us all and teach/guide us as you so graciously and inconspicuously did here on Earth. I pray for your painless peace. I am proud to call you Uncle and so happy you touched so many in such a positive way. I love you.
Aunt Echo, Tracey, Peter, and Rich: In fishing terms, we've lost a keeper! Your proudness radiates as it should. Uncle Dick would be ecstatic. He is in your hearts and still with you every day. Stay strong. I love you guys!
26Feb2015
To the Gardner family. We are so sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories you all share keep him forever close to you. You are all in our prayers and thoughts.
26Feb2015
Uncle Dick,
Thank you for all the wonderful memories I will always hold dear to my heart. You were such a loving, caring, giving and kindhearted man. You will never be forgotten. xoxoxo May you rest in peace & spend your days fishing with Grampa!
Lots of love.
26Feb2015
LOVE YOU BROTHER.
26Feb2015
My prayers and condolences to the Gardner Family during this difficult time.
26Feb2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.We got to know Dick quite well over the years, he was a very kind an caring person to every one.He did so much for us. We will miss him very much.
26Feb2015
Eileen and I send our deepest sympathies and condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. I have only known Rich Jr. for a little more than a year. When he describes his love and relationships with his own family, I often thought, What an amazing Father this guy must have. He taught his son well. I never had the opportunity to meet Richs father but I am sure he was an honorable man. May he rest in peace.
26Feb2015
Rich - My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today, and in the many days to come.
26Feb2015
My Brother Dick,
I love you now and always and will miss you so much.
You my brother were amazing and would do anything for anyone no matter what, never asked for anything in return You always gave your heart and soul to everything you did. I loved how you would call me LYNARD!!! IT IS SOMETHING I WILL HOLD CLOSE TO MY HEART ALWAYS....
LOVE YOU XOXOX YOUR SISTER LYNARD......
26Feb2015
To My Brother, You may have left us but in my heart you live forever. You were always there for me. Even after I told you you needed to fill Dads shoes you laughed and said (with a cocked head) OK!!!. Dick if god had asked me what I wanted more than anything in life.. IT WOULD BE YOU.... You are the most amazing man (my SUPERMAN) I am missing you so much that my heart feels like it is broken in two. Our secret hand wave our all that ,that will be ours forever.... I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND WILL NEVER LET YOU GO xoxo
26Feb2015
My condolences to you and your family Rich during this difficult time. May you cherish all the good memories and know that your father in peace now.
26Feb2015
My deepest condolences to the Gardner Family. May God rest Mr. Richard Allen Gardner soul and provide strength and comfort to all during this difficult time.
25Feb2015
Grampa you were always so nice to me and Colby I will miss you so much and i love you
25Feb2015
Our sincere sympathy to the entire family. Tracey, take pleasure in the memories and continue to be a great strength to your mom. God knows best.
25Feb2015
Dear Gardner Family,
It is with gratitude and sorrow that I write this note. I am grateful to be a recipient of Dick's sincerity and charming personality. My sorrow is knowing how much he will be missed.
May memories warm our hearts and make us smile.
Bless, Pam
25Feb2015
Tracey: I'm so sorry to learn about the passing of your Dad. We all know he is in a better place and will rest peacefully. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Love, Becky
25Feb2015
Dad, You taught me everything I know, and you have made me the man I am today. You taught me how to work hard, how to care about others, and how never to judge before giving someone a chance. There have been many times I have seen someone in need and thought to myself what would my dad do, and of course it was to help, so I always have and always will, I hope I made you proud. I look back on the things you taught me and the times we spent together, and realize how fortunate I was to have you as my dad. Thank you for everything, I love you very much, and I will miss you forever.
25Feb2015
Dad, You taught me everything I know, and you have made me the man I am today. You taught me how to work hard, how to care about others, and how never to judge before giving someone a chance. There have been many times I have seen someone in need and thought to myself what would my dad do, and of course it was to help, so I always have and always will, I hope I made you proud. I look back on the things you taught me and the times we spent together, and realize how fortunate I was to have you as my dad. Thank you for everything, I love you very much, and I will miss you forever.
25Feb2015
Our hearts are so sad. We go way, way back. How lucky we are to have Dick and Echo in our lives.
We get older and lives fade, but memories never leave us. We always laugh when we think about the
all night card games. Now is a time for comfort from family and friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Good night dear friend.
Love Steve and Cathy
25Feb2015
Our deepest sympathies go out to you Echo, Pete, Nicole, Colby, Olivia, and the rest of the family.
Although our talks were short at the ball fields and family gathering, we always made sure to catch up. Dick may have appeared to be unassuming, however, you were drawn to him. Always on topic, Dick was easy to talk to, but never opinionated. I only wish that I had spent more time to chat.
There's an old African adage that goes, "When an old person dies, it's like a library burning down." Sadly this library burned down way too soon.
Rest in peace Richard, your job here on earth has been done, and well done at that. Say hi to Gary for us.
25Feb2015
I sit here and look at your picture only to realize how much I love you. Always that big smile and even when it was only a snapshot, you'd wave that goofy wave and have a big grin on your face. You are so much to so many; family, friends, strangers and all you came in touch with. We raised 3 wonderful children and you taught them all about hard work. I wish you could hear how proud they are of you and the loving stories being told. You have made a huge impression on all the people you have touched in your life. Our kids have married amazing people as well and raised 7 wonderful grandchildren. And no matter how often you'd say "I like dogs, but I don't want one", we knew you really liked them. There is no one I would have rather spent the last 46 1/2 years with and I will love you forever.
25Feb2015
Deepest sympathy to Echo and the extended Gardner family and friends. Dick will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
25Feb2015
A wonderful man. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers with all of you.
25Feb2015
Uncle Dickie, or as I liked to call you, Old Man Rich, you were one of the greatest people to have in my life. Always picking on me, & laughing when I gave it right back. Spending every weekend with you & Aunt Echo before you left to FL. Waiting for me & mom, smiling ear to ear once you spotted us at the airport. Waking up to you asking if I wanted breakfast. Always taking care of all of us, making sure we were taken care of before yourself. So hard headed & stubborn at times, but the love you gave out weighed it all. You always made sure you gave us the biggest hugs you possibly could. You had such a big heart. So many memories to share. You were loved very much. I love you so so much Uncle Saggy Butt. May you rest easy & fly high. I will never forget all the things you taught me in life, thank you.
25Feb2015
Uncle Dickie,
Not only were you my favorite uncle you were my godfather. I can't ever thank you enough for everything you ever did for me. All the Friday nights spent on Jacob Ave watched Dukes of Hazard and MASH will never be forgotten. All the times you would fix my car, all the times you would pick me up and drop me off at the airport after the great times I got to spend with you and Aunt Echo in Florida. I am going to miss all the mornings you would have my caffeinated coffee ready for me. I love you more than anything and you were a true hero to me. I will miss you so much. I am so happy I had the privilege to spend your last Christmas with you. Love you always and forever. You will never be forgotten.
Love Tiffany
25Feb2015
My condolences to the family during this difficult time. I spent a great deal of time at the Gardner's house growing up and always felt like part of the extended family. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you Mr. & Mrs. Gardner.
25Feb2015
Dad - You were a spectacular father. In these difficult times, I take comfort knowing that in the past few years we were closer than ever. We spent a lot of great days together working and playing and when not nearby one another we rarely went a week without speaking on the phone. In those times we both came to realize that a father and son can say things to one another without feeling silly. We came to share the phrases "I Love you Dad" and "I love you Son" with regularity. Rest assured I will pass this valuable lesson onto my own two sons. May you rest in peace.
24Feb2015
My deepest sympathy to the family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Where in the world do I begin?? RAG a better friend I have never had. He always gave and never asked for anything in return.
You built my first car engine. We hunted, fished, road raced, and water skied to mention but a few.
We both worked for Biron and Worthen and bought our Corvettes together. You had RAG and I had REPJR.
You were the brother I never had, and a better one I could not have picked. You taught me to pull wrenches and fix my own cars. You taught me to respect others and never crossed the line except for family or friends.
All our road racing on Elm Street, I never won once. Your 57 Chevy and the 68 Chevelle always fun to cruise in. The late nights working on my car and Echo not to pleased with us. Honest Echo we were not chasing chicks.
We both parted company back in 1976, little did we know our paths would never cross again.
It comes as no surprise that Dick lived out his short life caring and sharing with family and friends, the Guestbook shares much of that.
On February 22, 2015 at 5 am, the day before Dick left to meet his maker, I suffered a heart attack and was rushed to hospital. I am doing fine, but the lump in my throat and the tears in my eyes reflect the bond that Dick and I once shared. Can you just imagine the drag race to the Pearly Gates that would have been??
I could go on for hours.
Echo, thank you for taking good care of Dick, and part with these thoughts.
Life is a short track, turn left, drive fast and hug a friend.
XXOO Bob Jr.
PS Hey Dick, Thank you for letting me be your friend, I love you man.
Dad
Dad
Dad
Dick wasn't practicing his casting on this day
Dick
Dick 2
Dick 1
I look at your picture and obituary in disbelief. You were the most selfless person I've ever met. Your smile, Beavis and Butthead chuckle, and your giving, warm personality is engrained in me forever. I, along with so many others, will miss you so very much. I am glad over the last few years we had come to say 'I love you' as we parted from NH/FL visits... because I love you. My memories of days with you are cherished. Watch over us all and teach/guide us as you so graciously and inconspicuously did here on Earth. I pray for your painless peace. I am proud to call you Uncle and so happy you touched so many in such a positive way. I love you.
Aunt Echo, Tracey, Peter, and Rich: In fishing terms, we've lost a keeper! Your proudness radiates as it should. Uncle Dick would be ecstatic. He is in your hearts and still with you every day. Stay strong. I love you guys!
Thank you for all the wonderful memories I will always hold dear to my heart. You were such a loving, caring, giving and kindhearted man. You will never be forgotten. xoxoxo May you rest in peace & spend your days fishing with Grampa!
Lots of love.
I love you now and always and will miss you so much.
You my brother were amazing and would do anything for anyone no matter what, never asked for anything in return You always gave your heart and soul to everything you did. I loved how you would call me LYNARD!!! IT IS SOMETHING I WILL HOLD CLOSE TO MY HEART ALWAYS....
LOVE YOU XOXOX YOUR SISTER LYNARD......
It is with gratitude and sorrow that I write this note. I am grateful to be a recipient of Dick's sincerity and charming personality. My sorrow is knowing how much he will be missed.
May memories warm our hearts and make us smile.
Bless, Pam
We get older and lives fade, but memories never leave us. We always laugh when we think about the
all night card games. Now is a time for comfort from family and friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Good night dear friend.
Love Steve and Cathy
Although our talks were short at the ball fields and family gathering, we always made sure to catch up. Dick may have appeared to be unassuming, however, you were drawn to him. Always on topic, Dick was easy to talk to, but never opinionated. I only wish that I had spent more time to chat.
There's an old African adage that goes, "When an old person dies, it's like a library burning down." Sadly this library burned down way too soon.
Rest in peace Richard, your job here on earth has been done, and well done at that. Say hi to Gary for us.
Not only were you my favorite uncle you were my godfather. I can't ever thank you enough for everything you ever did for me. All the Friday nights spent on Jacob Ave watched Dukes of Hazard and MASH will never be forgotten. All the times you would fix my car, all the times you would pick me up and drop me off at the airport after the great times I got to spend with you and Aunt Echo in Florida. I am going to miss all the mornings you would have my caffeinated coffee ready for me. I love you more than anything and you were a true hero to me. I will miss you so much. I am so happy I had the privilege to spend your last Christmas with you. Love you always and forever. You will never be forgotten.
Love Tiffany