John W. Gardner

John Wesley Gardner, age 92, of Upper Arlington passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Kobacker House. A loving husband, father, grandfather and caring friend, John touched the lives of every person he met and will be greatly missed. He grew up in Portsmouth, Ohio where, at age 12, he met Ruth Anne Kendall, the love of his life and future wife. In high school, he was active in sports and was senior class president. After high school, John attended the University of Michigan where he was enrolled in the "V5 Naval Program". John went on to active duty during World War II and was stationed in Guam. After his service with the Navy, John enrolled at Ohio Wesleyan University where he was a proud "Phi Gam" and graduated with honors in accounting. After a brief career with Deloitte Haskins and Sells, he joined his father David E. and brother Bob in the construction business creating the highly respected general contracting firm, The Gardner Company. John served the construction industry as the President of the Central Ohio Builders Exchange and was a Board Member of the Associated General Contractors Association of America (Central Ohio Chapter). His community involvement included being a 41-year member and Paul Harris Fellow of the Upper Arlington Rotary Club, a long-standing member of the Athletic Club of Columbus and a volunteer who spent countless hours serving his friends at First Community Village. In his free time, John enjoyed playing golf with Ruth Anne and their many friends at Scioto Country Club where he was a President and Board Member. He was a devoted family man and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his wife, four daughters and their families creating many wonderful and happy memories through the years. John was preceded in death by his parents David E. and Petrea Gardner, wife Ruth Anne, brother David and sister Marnie. John is survived by daughters Cathi (Stan Malatesta) Layman, Lynn Dee (Dan) Rohr, Margie (Steve) Polk and Julie (Bob) Blackford, his brother Bob, and special friend Marcie Speight,. "Poppy's" loving grandchildren are Matt, Sarah and Ryan Malatesta; Brendan and Cassady Rohr; Brian and Brady Polk and Kendall and Bobby Blackford. Poppy and Nanny were responsible for seven precious great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, August 26 at First Community Church, Main Sanctuary, 1320 Cambridge Boulevard. Friends will be received immediately following the service in Brownlee Hall. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Ohio in John's memory. The family wishes to acknowledge those individuals at First Community Village who took a special interest in John and sincerely thank the staff of Ohio Health Hospice and the thoughtful attendants at Kobacker House for their caring attention in his final hours. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.