Denny Gardiner

Denny R. Gardiner, age 79 of Vernal, passed away on February 17, 2013 at the Ashley Regional Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Denny was born in Vernal, Utah in a small home at 1500 West and 1500 South on December 3, 1933 to Raymond and Norma Ellen Abplanalp Gardiner. Starting at a young age, Denny helped his father with farming. When Denny was around 18 years old, he went to work for the Forrest Service. In 1954, he was called to serve an LDS Mission to the Southwest Indian Mission in Gallop, New Mexico and Arizona. When he returned from his mission, he was drafted into the service and served in the US Army in Fort Blitz, Texas and Indianapolis, Indiana. He returned to Vernal in 1959. He married Sally Liebhardt and they later divorced. He married Carolene B. Mackay in the Jordan River Temple on August 2, 1996. Denny was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints and held many callings throughout his lifetime. He was employed by various companies including a gas station, construction, surveying, and worked on the Flaming Gorge and Steinaker Dams. He retired from the Bureau of Reclamation in 1989. Denny loved gardening and always had a big garden with no weeds. He loved sports; football and basketball, especially the Jazz and BYU. He was able to attend several Jazz games later in his life. He enjoyed carpentry, working on cars, going to the mountain to get wood, and camping. Denny is survived by his wife; Carolene, 5 children and 3 step children; Laura Hodges, Bruce (Nikki) Gardiner, Doug (Diane) Gardiner, Linda (Kyle) Walker, Karen (Brad) Foley, Bryan (Janet) Mackay, Ronnie (Angie) Mackay, and Diana (Denis) Johnson, 39 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and sisters; Cleo Gardiner and Norma Rae Kingery. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister; Neila Morrill. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Glines 2nd Ward LDS Chapel. Friends and family may call Tuesday evening from 6-8 at the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary and 1 hour prior to services at the chapel. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park with military honors by the American Legion Post 124 and 11 and the Utah Army National Guard. Services were entrusted to the care of the Blackburn Vernal Mortuary