He was born to Gloria Darlene Groves and Marlin Roy McKay on July 27, 1964, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from Gresham High School in 1982. He was a member of the 1981 State Champion Water Polo Team, which was the first ever state championship team at Gresham High School. He also attended North Gresham Grade School, Highland Grade School and Dexter McCarty Middle School.
Gardiner served in the United States Air Force from 1984 to 1988. He was stationed mainly in Germany. He was a member of the Pleasant Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church.
He is preceded in death by grandfather, Floyd Groves; uncle, Gary Groves; grandmother, Evelyn Gordon; and grandmother, Margaret Groves. His beloved mother, Gloria Darlene Muncie, died a mere 8 hours after him.
Gardiner leaves behind many that loved him immensely including younger brothers, Bret McKay (Chris) and Scott McKay; and step-sister, Grace Muncie-Jarvis; nieces, Anna Robertson (Timothy); and Taza and India Muncie-Jarvis; nephews, Matthew McKay (Evy) and Nick Muncie-Jarvis; five great-nieces, Emma, Olivia, Faith, Charlotte, and Gwendolyn; four great-nephews, Andrew, Toby, Levi and Asher; and many more extended family members and an extensive list of amazing friends.
Gardiner never met a stranger and had a vast knowledge about many subjects. He was kind and had a helper's heart. He was so loved and will be missed by many.
