Lasting Memories
Alfred J Gardner
Jan. 13, 1920-Oct. 28, 2011
Menlo Park, California
Alfred James Gardner passed away at Stanford Hospital recently at the age of 91. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Florence; daughter Carol, son Alfred, son-in-law James, 3 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Al had a wonderful life. He served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force and was employed at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company for 15 years. He received many awards for his years of service, namely the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters ad the Distinguished Flying Cross with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters.
In civilian life he enjoyed numerous organizations and received special awards in many of them.
He and Florence enjoyed traveling and cruising. He was especially proud of his family and their accomplishments.
Dec. 10, 2011
My fondest memories of Uncle Al are from the last visits he and Aunt Florence made to our home in Bell Florida. The two of them would always like to sit on the back porch and look out over the tree nursery and enjoy the peacefulness of it all. When their visits would coincide with the digging of the trees, being the engineer that he was, he would like to come out and watch the operation and be amazed at the workings of the big equipment. At night we would take walks and look at the heavens and he would marvel at how clear the night skies were and how many stars and planets were visible to the naked eye. We would have many conversations during their visits and the one thing that he would always bring up was how proud my father would be of me if he could have been around to see what I had accomplished with the tree farm and my life. He would tell me this on several occasions during their visits and I would let him know that I loved him for telling me and I would never get tired of hearing it. I, like so many, will miss him and his phone calls and cards on special occasions. I also have a good restaurant story to tell but will save it for the next time some of us are together and tell it during cocktail hour. Love to All,Jimmy Gray
Nov. 27, 2011
Pat, Cathy and Amy. Thank you for your thoughts. I'll email you a short story of each of you and my Dad.. Al and Family
Nov. 24, 2011
The Page and Green households in Canada will miss you Uncle Al, we have very fond memories of the times we spent with you. I will miss the Valentine Day cards I always received from you. To Aunt Flo, all the McFeely's, and Al remember the good times. Love, Pat
Nov. 23, 2011
I miss you already, Uncle Al. Despite the distance between us, I always knew you had an interest in what we were doing. I loved receiving a birthday card from you and Florence every year, and keeping in touch by mail. You had a very interesting life, and your zest and energy were enviable. The lifelong love that you and Florence shared was touching and inspirational. To the family: May you cherish your memories, and may they bring you comfort. With love, Amy
Nov. 23, 2011
Rest in peace sir (I could never ever call you Al!). I remember so many times at the San Pedro house with Carol and Lisa. Always so fun with Mom and always a little scary but challenging to be around the "Colonel" (it was Colonel right?). My love to Florence, Carol and Al.