Donald M Gardner

After attending High School in Ft Collins, Don enlisted in the Navy at the end of World War II, serving two years. His last assignment was aboard the USS Missouri. Subsequent to his service he worked in various positions, but primarily as a salesman for Johnson and Johnson and the Ford Corporation. He later chose to go into business for himself and became a successful entrepreneur, owning numerous liquor stores in Denver and Castle Rock, as well as several successful carpet businesses. He and the love of his life Eileen, would later retire to Lake Havasu City, AZ. After having spent 58 years together, Eileen passed in 2018. That same year Don returned to Ft Collins in order to be near his immediate family.

In life, Don was an avid fishermen and hunter. He was quick witted, and never missed the opportunity to slip a joke into a conversation. He maintained a sharp mind to the end and was a literal walking calculator. Don was a dog lover, and Snickers his was his Dachshunds was his constant companion.

He is survived by his sisters, Mary Kinard and Beverley Sullivan, both of Ft Collins, his three children, Ginger Dinner of Denver, Ross Gardner of Atlanta, GA and Phillip Gardner of Westminster, Co. Don had three grand-children, Christopher Gardner of Franklin, GA and Nicole Gardner of Denver, Co, survive him. His third grand-child Mick preceded him in death. Don had eight great grand-children, Jadyn, Jacob, Kaleb, Gabe, Izzy, Aubrey and Gemma all of whom reside in Franklin, GA, and Jackson who resides in Denver.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Larimer County Humane Society.