Paul and Jackie Gardner

Paul and Jackie Gardner

Like a bittersweet chapter in an everlasting love story, Paul Gerber Gardner, 93, passed away on June 11, 2019. Five days later, on June 16, 2019, his beautiful wife of 70 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Briggs Gardner, 91, joined him. Both passed away peacefully in their home, surrounded by family and friends, in Vancouver, Washington.

Paul was born June 8, 1926 in Provo, Utah to parents E. Ray and Stella Gerber Gardner.  He grew up in a loving family in American Fork, Utah and would often talk fondly of his childhood and life on the farm. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Navy during World War II on the USS Henrico. When the war ended, he attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Jacqueline, raised in Rigby, Idaho, was born April 18, 1928 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Alvin R. and Zenda Atkinson Briggs. The older of two daughters, Jackie grew up in a loving home on a farm and would start her days by slopping the pigs and milking the cows. After graduating from high school, she also attended Brigham Young University.

It was at BYU in the fall semester of 1948 where Paul and Jackie met. They were engaged on Valentine’s Day (February 14, 1949) and were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on July 1, 1949.

After Paul and Jackie both graduated from BYU and after the birth of their son, Steve, they moved to Seattle, Washington where Paul attended dental school at the University of Washington. A few years after graduating, they moved to Los Gatos, California where Paul practiced dentistry from 1958 until 1992, with Jackie as his office manager.

Upon retirement, Paul and Jackie served seven missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their service took them to South Africa, New Zealand, Florida, California and North Carolina.  They met many outstanding people and had many wonderful experiences.

Paul and Jackie are the parents of six children, five of whom were adopted as infants. They were preceded in death by two sons, Doug and Dave Gardner, and one grandson, Jason Maynes.  They are survived by their children Steven (Margene) Gardner, Joy (Bob Baker) Reynolds, Ron (Jennifer) Gardner, Carol (Alex) Maynes, daughter-in-law Maureen (Charley) Hester and sister, LaRae Gardner Mortensen.  They have 19 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Jackie will be remembered for her avid reading, her love of puppies, her smile and her youthful nature. Paul will be remembered for his love of playing softball, his kindness, his gentle sense of humor, and his cheerful disposition. Both will be remembered and cherished for their dedication to their family, their loving friendships, and their valiant service to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the American Fork 6th Ward Chapel, 320 North 100 East, American Fork. Burial will be in the American Fork City Cemetery.