John A. Gardner

On May 3, 2015 our amazing father and grandfather, "Papa", passed away at home surrounded by his children, grandchildren and companion Judy. Born in San Diego, California on December 17, 1949 to John and Mary Gardner. Natives of Utah, the family returned to the Salt Lake Valley in 1952 where John lived the rest of his life. On October 26, 1970 he married the love of his life, Donna Mae (Rigby) Gardner and they had four children together: Steven, Amanda, John Jr. and Gary. After 36 years of marriage, his wife passed away. John was a blue-collar worker all of his adult life, retiring from the City of South Salt Lake Public Works Dept in 2011. John loved riding his motorcycles, camping, fishing, spending time with his family and his dogs. Dad was the strongest, hardest working man we ever knew. He worked his entire life to provide for his family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Judy Rice, his companion of four) years. She welcomed him into her home and cared for him in his final days. Preceded in death by his parents; wife Donna; son Gary; son-in-law Mike Apple; and his pug Lucy. Survived by his children: Steven (Jill), Amanda and John Jr.; grandchildren: Ashley, Melanie, Destiny, Autumn, Courtney, Alexis, Isaiah, Jordan, Aaliyah and Skylar; his companion Judy; sisters Marva, Margie and Mary; many nieces and nephews; and his dogs Harley and Milenko. Funeral services will be Thursday, May 7, 2015, 12:00 noon at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park. If you have a motorcycle, please join John on his Last Ryde. Place of Birth:San Diego, CaliforniaPlace of Death:West Valley City, UtahHobbies:Riding motorcycles, camping, fishing