My Brother Frank.
Being your younger brother, all I can do is look up to you.  You took on a lot when we were kids and you grew up way quicker than most ever had to.  You protected all of us and you did all you could to keep us safe.  Quite a bit to ask of a young man of 18.  

You took the harder path at a harder time and joined the Marines...you were not drafted...YOU JOINED the Marines during the height of Vietnam.  It says a lot about the kind of man you are; you never back away from doing what you feel you need to do.  You love your country and were willing to pay the ultimate price if necessary.

In January of 1974, you took me to my first hockey game and we saw our idol, Bobby Orr!  We had a great time and it is a memory that will never fade.  One week out from a tonsillectomy, but there was no way I was going to miss that experience!

As I became an adult and joined the Air Force, the dynamic of our relationship changed to being peers, but I am still your younger brother. 

We both served for 20 years and settled into our post military retirement.  We were uncles to each others children and we shared many memories and times together.  

It is tough watching sports, we used to talk about our beloved Boston teams all the time.  I miss those talks.  

You are loved by so many and the thought of you not being with us in your "physical" form is overbearing some days.  Losing you feels like a daily kick in the gut, it was so unexpected.  I am happy you are no longer living with the pain; but I am selfish and just wanted more time with you. 

Through some cosmic lottery, I was fortunate to be your brother; I am a lucky man to have known you.  At your services, it was easy to see that so many others felt that way as well. 

You will always be in my heart and I promise you I will always be there for Shelley, Adam, Sarah and Shawn.  

Till someday comes, my brother; but I will see you again. 




Dad, 
Ohana, means family, nobody gets left behind or forgotten...
I’m grateful to have you as my dad today and always. Through every adventure we’ve enjoyed, to you walking me down the isle for my wedding.  You’ve raise me to be strong and rise above. I can’t thank you enough for making me the woman I am today.  
It was truly an honor and privilege to give you the most extraordinary memorial you could ever ask for. I know your proudly looking down and smiling. I love you so much! Xoxo
Your daughter,
Sarah Ann

Ohana 
#gardnerstrong 

Dear Frank,

I am so proud of the man you are and all you fought through to be the best you could be in all the things you did.  I am so grateful for the precious moments we spent together this summer.  You are sorely missed. 

You saved my life twice. I wish I could have saved yours !
You were well loved and will be deeply missed. Love you
I never realized until today that I don't have any photos of the two of us

Frank’s loss arrived too suddenly and too soon in life’s journey, and I can honestly say I am struggling with feelings of stress and grief. Frank and Shelley give freely of their time, energy and devotion to the wellbeing of others... especially our military community. 

Their dedication to the ESGR family and the military families we serve is steadfast and selfless. Frank was never shy about taking charge or trying new programs. It is a very special person who volunteers their time for something bigger than themselves... it is even a greater and rarer volunteer that is willing to lead other volunteers.  Frank raised his hand to help us when we really needed a leader to perform the duties of our Area 6 Chair. For that I will always be grateful to both him and Shelley for stepping up. The reality were a dynamic team focused on making things better for others. 

As you know so well, the passage of time never really heals the tragic memory of such a loss, but we carry on, because we have to, because our loved ones would want us to, and because our volunteers are guided by the love of our military families.

Frank, I know you’re up there today looking down on your love ones and your fellow volunteers disappointed that you were not given more time to serve with them. We all will miss you... and we promise to carry on your tradition of caring and commitment as we continue to serve our great country. 

Passion is an honorable thing. When it takes hold of a person like Frank, it bestows what the Old Testament describes as a "double portion" of spirit and enthusiasm. Frank displayed passion for military service in and out of uniform. We honor that commitment.

On behalf of all our volunteers, we salute Frank and Shelley’s values, their support of our ESGR’s mission and their love of our service members...


Shelley and Family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of Frank.  He was a one of a kind guy who put his heart and soul into his work.  I truly enjoyed our connection on the Red Sox, the Patriots, the Celtics and the Bruins.  Only people from Boston would understand.  I will keep you all in my prayers in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Uncle, 

As we prepare to celebrate your life, I want to thank you for opening up your home to me and giving me my “left” coast family. I promise to look out for them because I know how very important your loved ones were to you. 

Thank you for going the extra mile to make my son’s first DisneyLand experience a trip we will never forget. 

With all of my love,
Erika

OBITUARY

Frank Stephen Gardner

17 December, 1952 – 30 September, 2018

Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park

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