David Frederick Gardner

David Frederick Gardner passed away February 10, 2025 with his beloved daughter Kate by his side. Survived by Kate and his ever-faithful Australian Shepherd, Tucker. Also survived by his many close family members and countless dear friends. Preceded in death by his parents Charles (Jimmy) Gardner and Harriett (Maxine) Domigan, and wife of forty-five years Gloria Hartung Gardner.

Born April 14, 1950, Dave grew up in Upper Arlington, a proud Golden Bear graduate of Upper Arlington High School ’68. An Economic Department Fellow, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Ohio Wesleyan University ’72 with a BA in Economics. He received a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Finance from Arizona State University ’76, with further study as a PhD candidate.

Upon graduating from Arizona State, he took a job in Chicago trading corn and soybeans for Continental Grain. He later moved to Los Angeles to work for Union Bank of California. For the majority of his career, Dave spent his time self-employed working as a financial advisor.

Dave possessed an infectious personality. Quickly befriending anyone he met, often with a dry, Plymouth gin martini (always up with an olive) in hand. He had an unmatched ability to captivate his audience with even the most mundane story. He was an active member of the exclusive Bob Club, a group of Ohio Wesleyan friends known for their shenanigans. Dave had a passion for sports, as evidenced by his prized basement sports collection. He prided himself on his uncanny ability to recite the capacity of any arena or stadium in the country. Dave had a love for the Southwest – especially Phoenix, from the “dry heat” and his favorite haunt Durant’s, to Native American artwork. He spent many days with family and friends at Lakeside on the banks of Lake Erie, enjoying many fresh Patio donuts on the Hotel Lakeside porch. In the words of many, he was truly one of a kind.

Special thanks to Upper Arlington EMS. Remember Dave to First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212 or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service for David will be held Friday, March 28, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221, followed by a reception from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.