Douglas G. Gardner

My husband, Doug, was born in Alberta, Kansas on October 24, 1924. His father, Clifton farmed and his mother Mell was a wonderful cook and homemaker. Doug was the youngest of five. He had three sisters, Melba, Bernice and Maxine, and a brother, Rene. When Doug was 9 months old, the family moved to Bakersfield, where Mell and Clifton opened a restaurant. Doug had many fond memories of swimming in the irrigation ditches on hot afternoons in Bakersfield, and eating at his parents’ restaurant. Later, Clifton purchased racehorses and began following the racing circuit.

The family moved to San Ysidro when Doug was about 17, and he cared for the family horses that his father stabled and raced in Tijuana. He slept in the tack room in Tijuana most nights, traveling by bus to National City to attend Sweetwater High School. When the school day ended, he returned to the racetrack and cooled, curried, and fed the horses.

Doug was drafted into the Army rather suddenly, before completing his senior year. Following training at Camp Beale in Northern California, he was sent to New Guinea, as a member of the 250th Anti-Aircraft Searchlight Battalion. He had a three year tour of duty, from 1943 until 1946.

When he was discharged from the service, he completed his high school education, enrolled in SDSU, and began searching for a job in a market that was flooded with returning veterans. He worked for a chemical company, an aircraft factory, and then on a bet, took the Chula Vista Police Department entrance exam.

He joined the force in 1953, and in his thirty-one years of service he worked many assignments, including investigation, patrol, homicide, robbery, and burglary. During this same time, he received his Bachelor’s in Police Administration from San Diego State University. He was known by everyone to be a fair and honest policeman, always willing to help anyone. He retired as Lieutenant and Watch Commander of the Patrol Division.

Doug and I met as police officers for Chula Vista. I had two young daughters, and he became a wonderful father and partner in raising them. Doug’s fondest memories include weekends spent with the kids and I in the outdoors, flying kites, swimming at La Jolla Cove, exploring the tide pools near the lighthouse, driving to the Cuyamaca Mountains to see the snow, and checking on birds’ nests to see if the eggs had hatched. Doug was a patient father, always looking for ways to enhance their education and provide exciting opportunities for them. He would drive us all over the county to find unique things for the kids to do.

We took frequent trips to Utah to visit family, him always behind the wheel. He taught Terry, Pam, and their three cousins how to drive. He had unlimited patience!! Also, Pam and her cousin Leslie had a passion for softball, so Doug sought out a batting couch and provided them with professional coaching. He was always looking for ways to help the kids.

After retirement, Doug worked security for the Del Mar Racetrack for 13 years. He worked in the stable area, where he could be near his beloved horses. He became friends with the owners, trainers, exercisers, and horses! He loved to be around the barns during the racing season. He made certain our grandchildren, Rian and Connor, had the opportunity to experience the excitement of the backside, bringing them early to the tracks to watch the horses warm up for the day’s races. He spent many long hours playing with Rian and Connor, who are horribly sad to lose their Grandpa.

As a boy, Doug was an avid fisherman. Later, Doug’s hobbies included golfing, shooting pool, and bowling. He was a valued member of the police bowling team for years. He was a also member of the American Legion, VFW, and Retired Police Officers Association.

He is remembered by his best friend, my brother Robert, as a "rabid" Charger fan. Doug bought season tickets the year the Charger Stadium opened, and he attended nearly every game for 40 years, usually with Robert. The two of them spent many hours and many modes of transportation getting to and from the games over the years. The last two years, Robert bought a special parking pass because the bus rides and long walks were becoming too hard for Doug. Though Doug fought it, he was finally convinced to watch the games at home.

Doug and I would have been married 48 years this July. I will dearly miss his wonderful, quick laughter. He was my best friend, the person I could always lean on, and a truly kind and generous mate. We will miss you, Grandpa Doug. This world was made better by your kindness and generosity. We all have such wonderful memories made possible by you! Thank you for caring so much and always loving us.