Obituary of Gary L. Gardner

Gary L. Gardner of McGraw passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023, after a brief battle with an aggressive form of Carcinoma (lung) cancer, at Guthrie Regional Medical Center, Cortland, NY. He was surrounded by his beloved wife of 56 years, Linda A. Gardner, and their children, Terri (Raymond) Rutan and Steven (Michelle) Gardner and their grandchildren. Gary was born January 2, 1947, in Norwich, NY to the late Leslie and Beatrice Hackett Gardner. He was a lifelong resident of the area and was 76. Gary worked his entire life, with Suit-Kote Inc. being his most recent place of employment before he was finally able to retire after being a tractor trailer driver for over 15 years there. He made many friends over the years and enjoyed his life to the fullest extent possible. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding snowmobile, listening to music, playing the guitar and piano, but above all, spending time with his family and friends whenever he could. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Linda A. Gardner of McGraw; his brother Roger (Bonnie) Gardner of Moravia; his daughter Terri (Raymond) Rutan of Willet; his son Steven (Michelle) Gardner of Cortland; his grandchildren Michael (Sarah Metzger) Townsend, Jamie (Sharon) Townsend, Drew (Brianna Bovay) Gardner, Troy Gardner; and his great-grandchildren, Paetyn, Lucas, Haelee, Barrett, and Raelynn. In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by his brothers, Duane Gardner and Roy Gardner, and his beloved pet dog, Sara (man’s best friend). Gary will always be remembered as a kind, generous, loving, and caring brother, father, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He will remain in the hearts of everyone whose life he touched. God rest his soul! In Jesus name, Amen! A memorial service will be held at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland, NY 13045, on Friday, May 19, with calling hours from 4 to 6 PM and the funeral service commencing at 6 PM.