19 years ago I walked into Mt Vernon Road Tire. I am so thankful I did. When you spend 6 days a week with someone, you learn alot. Especially about your personal life. Some great & some not so much. He had some words of wisdom & also just straight to the point. One thing for sure, He loved his family, he was so proud. What a great husband, father, brother and most of all...Grandpa. But let's not forget......the dang dogs. And then there was the racing, he lived for Friday Nights in Farley. He was like a kid in a candy store.! That really was his passion. Besides the Bears.....which we beg to differ, and obviously he brained his kids. But Into years come, I may "silently" cheer unless playing Vikings. So with that being said, 19 years......where did it go, except too too fast. I thought when he left Goodyear, was the saddest day of my life. As I sat at my desk today, lots of memories, but one that still makes me bust out laughing randomly, even by myself over the years. He tripped coming out of his office, caught air, literally both feet off ground, I refer to it as "Superman". Gosh did we laugh........and that's how I'm going to remember him. Thank you for letting him be a part of my life & most of all me being in his life. What a great soul!!!! So here's to memories, we'll remember the best, forget the rest. Cannot wait to meet again my friend.
April Ferrie
January 20, 2015
Mike had a great positive influence on myllife. He made sure that laughter and a smilewere needed even in had times and struggles. THANKYOU SO MUCH MIKE! I will miss.u infinity. To your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tisha Smith
January 20, 2015
Mike had a great positive influence on myllife. He made sure that laughter and a smilewere needed even in had times and struggles. THANKYOU SO MUCH MIKE! I will miss.u infinity. To your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tisha Smith
January 20, 2015
So sorry to hear of Mikes passing
I worked with Mike at Wilson/farmstead . The best memory of mike was his kindness one day my mother locked her keys in her car and Mike helped her get her car opened. After that my mother would always be grateful to Mike ...so much so she always would buy tires from him..
Rest in peace Brother Mike
The Johnston family
Robert johnston
January 20, 2015
To all the Gardner Family-
My heart goes out to you in this time of sadness. I hope in the coming days you will be flooded by all the happy memories to carry with you as you continue through your lives.
Much love to you all,
Rachael
Rachael McClenahan
January 19, 2015
This was very hard news to hear about.
I am truly so sorry for this loss of a good husband, father, brother and son.
Joe Kolter
January 19, 2015
Chris, James, Chad, Gloria and everyone else, Ann and I are so sorry for your loss. Mike was an amazing warm funny man... I have nothing but good memories of hanging out in the Gardner household throughout school. Mike and Chris were always so welcoming and that's never changed. Mike was always quick with a smile and a joke a movie quote, a question about family, whatever. James and I often joked about how both of our dad's had the superpower of "conversation with anyone." It was both a joke and recognition of a staggering gift. I'm sorry that he's gone, but please know that the warmth of those memories is something that I really do often come back too. They were good times and they are a part of who we are. We are all better for having Mike in our lives. We love you guys, and we're praying for all of you.
Marc & Ann Kirkland
January 19, 2015
Marion and I were saddened to learn of Mike's death. We met him when he worked at Goodyear and for many years he helped fix problems with various cars we owned. Mike was always cheery. Always a kind word. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
Rich Patterson
windingpathways.com
Rich and Marion Patterson
January 19, 2015
I met Mike a long time ago when I reached to Wilson's union for help and got it and spent 8 yrs. working on and off with a very nice, polite young Mike and his colleagues. We met again when I attended a cub scout banquet and I got the shock of my life when I learned that my sweet, funny, smart step-grandson was the grandson of Mike that Nick talked about all the time and the grandpa that Kiaya adored. I couldn't have been happier. I even remember when Mike and Christine married and how excited the groom was. I want to send my condolences to Christine and all the family for the loss of such a nice guy. Rest in Peace Mike.
Pat Buck
January 19, 2015
Chris, Chad, and James, where do we begin. Mike was an amazing man who we loved very much and considered family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mike could always make you smile. I remember his 40th birthday party, he was so surprised. Or the time Ashley was in the hospital over Easter, Mike took time away from his family to go to the hospital to see her, since we had to go to Waterloo that day. He always wanted to make sure everyone around him was taken care of and happy. We will miss seeing that smile. May God watch over each of you at this time.
Love, Troy and Katie
Troy and Katie Benham
January 18, 2015