John Gardner

~John Gardner was born to Wendell Gardner and Ruth Benson Gardner on February 16, 1930, in St. Louis, MO. His parents and a sister, June Gardner Seifert, preceded him in death. John attended schools in Ferguson, MO, Purdue and Northwestern University, where he received his medical degree in 1954. In 1953, he met and married Joanne Mortimer, whom he met while working as an extern at Little Company of Mary Hospital, near Chicago, IL. The next years were busy with residencies in Illinois, Michigan and Alaska, where John G., Patty, Carol, Steven, and Susan were born. Angela and Julie arrived after John accepted a position at the Wenatchee Valley Clinic, the 17th physician and second radiologist at that time, 1960. His friends would testify to his love of sports, especially tennis, golf and racquetball. He introduced his reluctant wife to camping, and the family camped from Lake Chelan to Ohanapecosh. Julie started camping at two and a half months. He loved radiology, the patients, the challenge of science and continual opportunities for learning. He also taught in the x-ray technology program at Wenatchee Valley College. ~Following retirement, John traveled extensively in Europe, Australia, China, and his favorite place, Morocco. Although his health declined in 2013 with encephalitis, he maintained an active lifestyle. His biggest complaint was that it affected his tennis game. Recently, he developed multiple myeloma and its complications were the cause of his death. In the words of his grandson, Austin, "You are a mentor in my life, whether you realized it or not. You taught me how to raise an enormous family and develop and maintain friendships. Thank you for all that you are and the influence you have had on my life. I want to convey my love and respect for you and you are in my thoughts and prayers." ~A Memorial Service will be held November 6, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 1315 8th St. N.E., East Wenatchee, with a Reception to follow from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at the Wenatchee Golf and Country Club, 1600 Country Club Drive, East Wenatchee. Remembrances can be made to the Wenatchee Valley College Radiology Technology program at Wenatchee Valley College, 1300 5th St. or the Confluence Health Foundation at 1201 S. Miller, Wenatchee, WA 98801.

John Gardner

February 16, 1930 - October 11, 2015