Douglas Ray Gardiner

Douglas Ray Gardiner passed away March 26, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born July 31, 1951 in Vernal, Utah to Juanita and Chester Gardiner. Douglas graduated from Uintah High School, and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Douglas married Lana Dee Williams Sept. 14, 1974. He met Tena May 20, 1994, they later married May 20, 2004.

He was a truly amazing and wonderful man with a heart as big as the sky, but also a firm hand. When he was younger, he loved horses and riding, he loved the rodeo and rode saddle bronc, bareback, and bulls in the rodeo. His favorite horse was Flash. He loved the outdoors and taught all his children and grandchildren to enjoy it as well. He loved camping hunting and fishing with ALL his family and friends. He loved teaching them all to shoot and be there for their first rabbit trip and first deer hunts. He also enjoyed pushing dirt in those big D8 dozers and even taught a few of the kids how to run them. A great man and a great teacher who inspired many many lives!

Survived By: His wife, Tena Annett Gardiner, Children: Sharron (Bob) Cook, Kristopher (Nikki) Wagner, Shauntea (Ben) Dattage, Cassie (Mike) Maldonado, Erik (Nina) Wilkins, Donald (Ashley) Dall 22 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, sisters Glena Bristal of Vernal, Carol Jane (Brad) Huber of Lapoint, Shirley Harrison of Vernal, Brother Ronnie Gardiner of Vernal, Sister Sue (Lola) Hernandez of Vernal.

Douglas is preceded in death by his parents Chester and Juanita Gardiner, sister Louwanna Estes, brother Grant Gardiner, son Matt Douglas Gardiner, grandson Dylan Maldonado.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 11 am at the Vernal Christian Church, with viewings held Wednesday, April 2nd from 6-8 PM at the Blackburn Mortuary and Thursday 1 hour prior to service at the Church. Burial will be in the Vernal Memorial Park, under the direction of Blackburn Vernal Mortuary.