Thought about you today then this popped up in my e-mail.  I wonder what you would think of what is going on in the world today.  I think that somehow you could make me laugh about it!  You are missed.

I can still hear your great laugh.  You are missed.

I still remember so many of the stories you told us and they continue to make me laugh.  So lucky to have known you.  

A great day canoeing on the Wekiva River in Florida

I was not prepared to find this today.  My heart literally broke.   Mike and my late husband met at the dojo and became good friends.  He spent many hours at our house playing pool while we laughed at his stories.  He was my friend too.  It did not surprise me to read the tributes left by his family as I would not have expected anything less.  Wish we had not moved out of state so we could have gotten to know Karen and Jabe.   I love that wedding photo, Jabe.  You look just like you did as a child in the photo your dad sent us.  Mike was a wonderful person and we loved him too.   He will be greatly missed.  My deepest condolences to all of you.

Memories are so many and incredible. Remember many times when I was just a little kid and Mike would take me behind the Chicken House and would show me karate moves. My Mom would catch us and she wasn’t happy. Had the pleasure of living with my Big Sister and Mike for a couple years while attending MSU. He got me into karate and I was so grateful, he’d take time to show me the right way of doing things. One of my best, although there are countless, memories is when I was at the Dojo working out and Kip(Mikes best friend) blocked my kicks to the point to where the tops of my feet were black and blue. I couldn’t where shoelaces in my shoes for several days while going to school after that. But, Mike always told me my kicks were only blocked as hard as I was kicking. Lol. Sis was mad as a hornet. We would always mess with each other every time we saw one another. I never considered him a brother in law but just a brother. He was a great man, loved his family, and I sure loved him.  I have so many memories that will forever live in my heart. I was blessed to have him in my life for as long as I did and I will never forget the great times we’ve had together. ❤️❤️❤️

Dad, I will always cherish the relationship we had and I couldn't have asked for anything better. You were my role model throughout my entire life, my hero, my best friend. I will never forget all the great times we had together. The trips we went on, the concerts, listening to blues on the porch, working on all kinds of projects, the countless hours of laughter and camaraderie. I like to think I'm a chip off the old block and I'm damn proud of that! Your legacy will live on, I will tell everyone all of our stories, I will use all of your sayings, I will teach my kids everything you taught me. I will take care of Mom, myself, and our family to the best of my ability. Thanks for everything, for being the best Dad ever, for being the greatest husband to Mom, for being the best Grandpa to my children, for being a awesome father in law to my beautiful wife, for always being there for advice or just to make me laugh. I will always remember your laugh, your smile, your hugs, your voice, your love, RIP Pops!

Jabe

Going to miss my father in law tremendously. He was a great dad, grandpa and was always there for us. He could always make me laugh and I will miss his warm hugs, the way he loved his family, his contagious laugh and his random drop ins to bring his grandkids chocolate muffins.  Rest in Peace, Mike. I know you're up there looking down and always watching over us now. I hope you're enjoying grandma Rheda's good cooking again. You sure loved a good home cooked meal. Thank you for raising my husband to be the outstanding person that he is. Without you, I wouldn't have my family. We love you forever and your legacy will live on.❤

Your hugs. I will never forget your hugs. So strong, so long, so full of love. I remember when I was little, I learned to hold my breathe when I went in for one of those hugs. I knew it might hurt a little but that never stopped me because I knew it was always worth it! The amount of love wrapped up in those hugs…I would give anything for one of your hugs. I love you forever and always, Grampa! 

OBITUARY

Michael Vaughn Gardner

April 30, 1942 – November 30, 2021

Gorsline Runciman Tiffany Chapel

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