Retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, WWII Veteran, Founder of Bay View Campgrounds, Inc.
Gardner Swift Nightingale, 93, died at home Tuesday, June 18, 2013.
He leaves his wife of 59 years, Hanneliese Nightingale.
Born and raised in Monument Beach, Lt. Col. Nightingale was the son of Harry and Hazel (Swift) Nightingale. Upon graduating from Bourne High School in 1938 he was a dispatcher for the Bourne Police force before joining the US Army.
During his tenure in the Armed Service, he served in Europe and North Africa during WWII and Korea, and was awarded numerous commendations for his service to our country.
After graduating from the USA Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, Lt. Col. Nightingale was awarded the military specialty of Management Engineer, later graduating to the level of Lieutenant Colonel while stationed in Orleans, France.
Gardner Nightingale retired from the military to his home town of Bourne after 27 years of service. During his tenure in the Army and over a period of many years, he slowly acquired parcels of property in Bourne. With this land, he began building Bay View Campgrounds, Inc. on MacArthur Blvd. This was to become his most challenging and rewarding project, and one he was extremely proud of.
He was a member of the Masons, Weary Travelers, the Bourne Historical Society and the local V.F.W., also serving on the Bourne Board of Health for a period of time. During his retirement, favorite pastimes included clamming, antiquing and golf, both Monument Beach and his winter home on the Caloosahatchee River in LaBelle, Florida. He and his wife also enjoyed traveling, visiting with friends and most of all, he treasured the time spent with his family.
In addition to his wife, Lt. Col. Nightingale also leaves his two daughters, Swea Nightingale-Schoenwald and Christine Ricci; his sister, Patricia Sheerin; his sons-in-law, David Ricci and Mark Schoenwald; three grandchildren, Mareana, Brent and Susanna; and one great grandchild, Tama. He was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Francesca, and his brother, Harry Nightingale, Jr.
His family is extremely proud of Gardner and his accomplishments and how he led his life. All who knew him and his character during his lifetime could always rely on the adage, “he said what he meant, and he meant what he said.” He was a kind soul, a man of his word and good for his handshake.
He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A private burial and service will be held. Gifts in his memory may be made to VNA Hospice of Cape Cod; 434 Rt. 134; Suite D-3; South Dennis, MA 02660.
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