Robert D. Gardner

Robert (Bob) D. Gardner, 85, a former psychiatrist and Executive Director of the Central VA Community Services Board, died Dec. 7 at Westminster Canterbury. Memorial Service will be held at 12pm Friday, Dec. 10, 2010, at Agudath Sholom Synagogue. Interment will follow at Beth Joseph Cemetery in Madison Heights. Dr. Gardner, was also known as Dr. Nostalgia, a purveyor of antiques and collectibles, most notably postcards and paper memorabilia. Bob Gardner was born and raised in Trenton, NJ, but moved to Virginia to attend the University of VA in 1943 and thereafter made Virginia his home. During WW II, he served in the US Army Medical Corps. Dr. Gardner attended UVA Medical School, served at the VA hospital in Roanoke, taught at UVA medical school and opened a private practice in Lynchburg in 1960. From 1972 to 1985 he was Executive Director and then Clinical Director of Chapter 10 Mental Health services for the state of Virginia, and then returned to private practice until his retirement in 1990. He was active in community affairs, volunteering at the Fine Arts Center Theater, Lynchburg Museum, and the Mental Health Association. He was honored in 2007 by the VCCJ with its Humanitarian Award. In addition, he was president of the International Federation of Postcard Dealers, and, as a member of the Brotherhood of Agudath Sholom Synagogue, managed the annual Jewish Food Fair for 15 years. He was also a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Assoc. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Leah Belle Gardner of Lynchburg, sons Todd (Lori) Gardner of Silver Springs, MD and Greg Gardner (Debra) of Owings Mills, MD and daughter Shayne Gardner of Arlington, Va. He was predeceased by daughter Jill Gardner. He is also survived by grandchildren Joshua, Alana and Jake Gardner, and his brother, Martin (Laura) Gardner of Hastings on Hudson, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Jill Gardner Memorial Scholarship Fund, through the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust, or Agudath Sholom Synagogue. To send a condolence to the family, please visit, whittenfuneralhome.com. Whitten Park Avenue Chapel is assisting the family.