I loved my brother and will miss him more than words can say.  I do have several memories of John as he grew up, and before we moved to Mineral Wells.  He was born in Houston, and while attending Kindergarten, the teacher called my mother to say she was having a problem with John.  She said that after lunch, he would put his feet up on his desk and lean back and tell her that there wasn't anything more that he could learn and he was just going to rest.  My mother said if he was that exhausted, she would come and get him so he could nap at home.  That put a quick end to that.  We moved to Beaumont the next year.  I was in the Blue Birds (like the Girl Scouts), my mother was the leader, and John was our mascot.  He was nicknamed Jay until high school, so he was the Jaybird.  Didn't seem to have a problem with the title.  Then we moved back to Houston.  My parents decided to take a ride one weekend, and Jay was moaning and groaning.  My father stood as much as he could, and finally said "Straighten up and fly right".  John's reply was "I'm just a bird with a broken wing".   And this was probably when he began to love duck hunting.  When he came to visit, he would give me the biggest hug and say how glad he to see me-how wonderful that was.  I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful brother, and no one could know it would be for such a short time.  He will be missed by everyone that knew him.  Love, your sister Ann

Some of my favorite memories of John, my brother-in-law, were as follows.  The first was our drag racing on the streets of Mineral Wells.  I was dating his sister, Ann, and he was still in high school.  I drove a red Chevrolet Super Sport, four speed, 327 engine and it looked good.  John had his parents red Gran Torino, automatic and a 289 engine.  Guess who won-John.  I always said it was he had better traction.  It couldn't have been his driving.  The second was our duck hunting, and he did love it.  We went hunting on Proctor Lake and Lake Palo Pinto.  It was a wonder that we survived but we were successful and did live to tell the stories.  Like the time we built duck blinds before duck season, and Lake Proctor dried up with no water around the blinds when duck season opened. The funniest thing was his dad sleeping in the duck blind, and by the time John woke him up, the ducks had left.  I really enjoyed visiting John and Carol, and John showing me his dog and his retrieving abilities.  Ann and I will miss John greatly, and may he rest in peace.  Love, Jerry

My grandmother was always so proud of her son, my uncle John!  Uncle John was always so fun to be around! He loved golfing, hunting and being with his family! I will miss him!
His niece, Deborah Lundgren 

I first met John while working at FLS in Altoona. I was in Product Management and Development and he was Director of Engineering. I quickly learned that this man was at an engineering level like few others. His simplistic approach to the most challenging projects always resulted in the most effective solution. He simply saw things that no one else paid attention to. I spent hours in his office talking about the machines and capabilities. His vast experience and knowledge always brought new and innovative ideas to make something old new again and better then ever before. I was always stuck between sales and development so I would go into his office and say, I need this to be faster, better and cheaper, and he would always say, pick two you cant have all three! That always cracked me up. But our work relationship quickly turned into a great friendship. Our love for what we did and our passion for golf. Many weekends we spent on the links and I enjoyed every minute of it. He was a special guy and I was blessed to know him. After we both moved on John always kept in touch, he and Carol have become great friends to our family. To Carol and the family, thank you for sharing John with us, I am better off for knowing him. 

John was my step Dad since I was 20 years old. Never once did he hesitate to embrace me And my brother as family and always welcomed us on everything he and Mom would plan. John taught me so much! And no man could have been more patient. I especially loved our family vacations in Ocean City Maryland.. the chicken Bar... the crab legs, fireworks on the beach and people watching from The balcony of the Lankford Hotel at Happy Hour... it always happy hour for John! Along the way he taught me many life lessons that will always be with me. He was kind and always a happy guy who swore he could speak Spanish after a few cervezas.  In addition to being a great mentor to me, John and Mom relished having Colin every summer for weeks at a time since he was 5 years old,  exposing him to many experiences and life lessons and helped Colin to become the good person he is.   We will miss John’s smile. We Already do.

Sent from my iPhone

One of my favorite memories of my Uncle John is something I have never forgotten.  Around 1980 something, my family bought the first Nintendo with the controller that was a gun.  Along with that, we received Duck hunt, a game that placed you on a pond with electronic ducks flying in from all directions.  Just like in the real world of duck hunting, John was a master in every venue.  Even being as little as I was, I finally got to go duck hunting with my Uncle.  

John and Carol Ann have been our dear friends and neighbors ever since moving to  Ball Ground, Georgia.  From the moment that John retired and moved here permanently, he quickly became known and loved by all.  He was a brilliant engineer and very quickly displayed  his talents to improve the property they purchased.  He was also very generous; offering to help or provide tools to anyone in the neighborhood who needed it. I can remember several times that John dropped whatever he was doing to lend a hand.  One time, someone new to Ball Ground, used an old country road that cut across from one side of town to another, and got stuck in a muddy rut on the edge of a pond. We called on John to help pull them out.  Another time, one of the dogs in the neighborhood attacked a neighbors' chickens; one of which was so badly hurt it needed to be put down.  We called on John.  Whenever a lawn mower broke down or any kind of construction project went awry, John was only a phone call away and there in minutes.  He was a generous man and showed how much he cared for people by always being ready to assist in any way that he could.  And always with a smile and a story.  John you were admired and respected and you are sorely missed.  God Bless you in your continuing journey in the next world.....

So many memories with our wonderful friends John and Carol! Skiing. boating, camping, parties and great times. The picture is aft of a catamaran sailing in the BVI. John was reliable to always get the fireplace going after skiing all day and of coarse, looking for one more MGD, Miller genuine Draft. We worked with John for so many years. Without a doubt, John is the very best engineer and designer that I have ever known. He is a wonderful friend and we will miss him deeply.

Our favorite memory was going to the Masters with Opi. He was so excited to be fulfilling his dream of seeing this world famous course and being immersed in a prestigious world of golf. We were having a great time following golfers around, eating BBQ and pimento cheese sandwiches and drinking beer, when all of a sudden Omi is “lost.” Phones aren’t allowed so we couldn’t call her. We left the hole we were standing at to go to our meeting spot by the entrance. After a long time waiting, and Opi getting so antsy and frustrated, out walks Omi with a shopping bag full of Masters apparel! It was such a funny and classic moment that left us all laughing and one of the best days we had with him. Wish we could have more, but we cherish the ones we had.

After hearing other stories and recalling some of my own these past few weeks, it's obvious that "Opi" was always happy to share his knowledge in the most authentic way.  For me, it was in regards to engineering/construction, computers, and golf to name a few.  I just learned so much from him, especially on the course.   Beyond just teaching me the sport, we would tell jokes ("Loft" is a favorite) and offer up perspectives that helped me grow as a person.  He might have been soft-spoken, but I just always knew he cared a lot for me and my success.   I am super happy we shared the love for golf for without it, I might have missed out on that quality time and getting to know him that much better.  Needless to say, I'm going to miss him. 




Hi had the pleasure of meeting John through his wonderful wife Carol.  Carol and I took our Real Estate boards together and I became good friends with her over the years.  John was such a Good Man.  Always optimistic, supportive and reliable.  My heart goes out to Carol and to all of his family and friends who knew and loved him.  

Love you Carol,

Debbie B

Met John & Carol 34 years ago in 1985 when Carol went to work for me. Very soon my husband & I were socializing with them. They lived in Cherry Valley at the time (on a wooded lot, of course) but I remain close and visited them through many wooded lots: Rockford, Altoona, Mineral Wells, Green Bay, Ball Ground.....all wooded!! John did love his woods!! I never thought of them as being far away as we always remained close. John was always a welcoming gentleman who would say, 'Tell Peggy to come visit!' When I visited, John, being a early riser, always had the coffee made. We would chat & drink coffee til Carol got up. I will always remember John's thoughtfulness, kindness & gentlemanly ways. The world is a better place because of John! Much love to Carol & family during this sad time! Love always, Peggy

     I had the good fortune to work for and with John from the days at F.L.Smithe in the early90's till John's retirement from PCMC.  Over the years John taught me a lot about engineering and how to build and run printing presses. My career as an assembler benefitted greatly with the knowledge I learned from him. For that I am deeply grateful. 
     John was a patient , caring person and a real joy to be around.  We played golf a fair amount over the years and I hope he enjoyed my company as much as I enjoyed his. 
     Rest in Peace dear friend you will be greatly missed.

We are so fortunate to have known John and Carol during their time in Green Bay. After meeting Carol at book club and then deciding to do dinner with 'the boys', we became fast friends. Just a few of the things we will fondly remember about John...his soft Texas accent, our winter Sunday breakfast road trips to Fish Creek for stuffed French toast at the White Gull Inn, starting his comments with 'Hey Susan' or 'Hey Steve', enjoying a glass (or two) of Merlot after a delicious dinner, telling dog stories (we also had a lab), our political discussions, and attending a Packer game with them at Lambeau (the 'Nelson boys'). It's not often you meet a couple that you connect so quickly with, but that's John and Carol for you. We will miss him tremendously, but are so thankful for our memories and the privilege of knowing him. 

Susan and Steve Soderlund

I will sorely miss John, we always went out for beer and shrimp whenever I visited Altoona. Had some good times here in Germany together too.  He was a great friend and a brilliant Engineer, the world is a poorer place without him. Rest in peace John. 

Dear Carol,
      You and John have shared many of my life’s best memories.  
        The smiles and laughter will be forever in my mind.    
         You lost a wonderful husband, and we all lost a wonderful, kind hearted man.
       Love and big hug,
Gail and family 

Well, I’ve tried twice to post but my computer skills are the worse 3rd time is the charm. 
I have to share how great John was and how much we enjoyed both John and Carol’s company. Terry and John enjoyed golfing together. I remember one time when the guys were golfing and Carol and I sat on her deck and solved the world’s problems. Well if they would listen to us all would be better! We then enjoyed a yummy dinner on their deck. They both were the perfect hosts! John never met anyone he didn’t make  feel welcome. His smile and laugh were infectious. He was a gift to all of us. I’m sure he is already organizing golf and drinks for his new friends. We miss you John. You will always live in our hearts.  

Opi was a great grandpa! He taught me how to shoot shotguns and play golf, I guess that’s why I’m so good at both. Summers are never going to be the same without him. Since 1st grade I’ve spent them with him and I don’t know what I’m going to do now. I can remember all my time playing golf with him and Omi like it was yesterday. Those are some of the best memories I have and will never forget. He made sure every single summer was special and always made sure I was having a good time and had something new to teach me about or a different story to tell. I’m so glad that I got to grow up with him and am the person I am today because of it. I will never forget the time we spent together.

My beloved brother-in-law was as friendly and warm as he was intelligent and accomplished, and so much fun to spend time with. He always enjoyed  showing us around his town, especially his golf course, where he knew every distance (and club choice) to the green from any spot your ball could possibly find itself. A special memory  for me was the day I rode along in his cart while he and his father played a round of golf in Mineral Wells. Despite my being in a ridiculous neck brace from a very recent disk surgery, he was constantly encouraging me to hit his next shot from the fairway! Sadly, but smartly, I did not. We spent many hours talking football and fishing, but I never comprehended how he could love duck hunting so much. He told me once that he liked it best when he had to break some ice off the water in order to set out his decoys. Then there was the "Great Back-Patio Ground Squirrel  Hunt" in Green Bay . . . . Good times!

My husband and I built a house right  next to John and Carolyn 1988 from then on it was an adventure for all of us in that neighborhood, we had so much fun, and we became best friends. Have remained so through every state they’ve lived in been to some of them played a lot of golf, I am going to miss John Gardiner , I wish I could be there Carol, just hug and mayydrink a glass of wine in his memory, love you both💔

When John & Carol were living near Green Bay, WI I had the pleasure of staying the night of the Packer's Family Night at their beautiful home. I was amazed how quickly he was able to get us within a couple of blocks of Lambeau to park. 😊 It was a very special evening. I treasure that memory. 

I was fortunate to have called John my step-father for 36 years, but he truly was like the father I never really had.  I always valued his input on things both large and small, and his patience and calm demeanor was something to behold.  The man never seemed frazzled.  He thoroughly loved his wife, family, friends, shooting his guns, playing golf and fixing things in general.  He was taken from us far too soon and I will miss him.

With our deepest sympathy and fond memories,  Ann Benzel

 It is exactly not a memory but I was searching for a word to describe John ..it is true he was a good man but my husband came up with what I thought a very good description:  
THE SALT OF THE EARTH KIND OF GUY.  

He always seemed to me to be a very kind and down to earth person.  


Carol,

I am so sorry to hear about John.  You two were the first to welcome us to PA and our home in Sylvan east.  There are too many good and funny times to share just one.  Sending peace and comfort.

Chuck and Suzanne

John was first a great friend and boss. Easy to talk to and considerate of your (and everyone’s ) feelings. He was without exception the best engineer I have EVER known. He was an engineer’s Engineer - words cannot give John enough credit for his professional abilities. On a lighter note,  he was also a great beer drinker. I will always remember him saying after a significant number of beers with friends - and I quote - “I gotta go get horizontal”. He always knew his limit! I will always remember my friend and colleague. You only get a few like John in a lifetime. We were very lucky.  Rest In Peace my friend. We will miss you.

So many years I have admired and adored this man and after all these years considered he and Carol lifetime friends.
We shared many conversations from my desk at Dahlgren discussing the news of the day, sharing stories and solving the problems of the times....remember his very nice father and childhood pictures of his precious daughters.  Grateful to see he and Carol a few years back and it was comfortable like we never had been apart.  Rest John, the world will miss you.
 Carol and his family have my sincere condolences. He was indeed a good man.

Dear Carol and family,
Im so sorry to hear of Johns passing. I have such fond memories of you and John when we worked together at Bennetton, gatherings at your house, halloween parties at Nancys house! 
Know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Rhonda and Gene Gill

OBITUARIO

John William Gardiner

6 junio, 1949 – 18 enero, 2019

J.E. Foust & Son Funeral Directors

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