Leonard (Len) Gardner passed away peacefully on July 23, 2023 at his home in Taylor Lake Village, TX at the age of 81 after a brave and valiant battle with Parkinson's disease. He was surrounded by his immediate family and compassionate caregiver, Cheryl Lindsey.
He was a native Cape Codder, born in Hyannis, MA to Elsie Almeida and George Gardner on September 4, 1941. He was raised in Provincetown, MA, Cotuit, MA, and West Harwich, MA. He graduated from Harwich High School. He received a B.A. in Biological Sciences from Providence College, an M.S. in Medical Physiology and Biomedical Engineering from Baylor College of Medicine, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology and Neuroscience from the University of Houston and Baylor College of Medicine. He served in the Air Force for five years as a Clinical and Neuropsychologist at Lackland Air Force Base and Chief Clinical Psychologist at Brooks School of Aerospace Medicine, both in San Antonio, TX. He was then employed as Chief of Biobehavioral Applications at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX and the European Space Agency as an Applied Aerospace Psychological Consultant. He spent the last years of his career as a Forensic Psychologist where he was able to aid and advise many families dealing with litigation issues.
Len had many interests and passions outside of psychology and science. He took great pleasure in coaching his children's sports teams, golfing with them, and attending all of their school and recital functions. He enjoyed sharing meaningful conversations on many topics with them and reciting poetry to them. He also took delight in dancing and attending symphony concerts and the theater with his wife.
He looked forward to vacationing on the Cape in the summers with his family. Nothing was more important to him than being with his family. He took pride in his home, inside and outside. He loved working in the yard and collecting many aesthetic art objects to add to the beauty of his home. He always wanted nothing but the best for his family. The shared memories will always be cherished.
He is survived by his devoted wife and soulmate of 55 years, Ellen Marie, his children Jonathan and Erin, his brother Michael, his best friend and Cape Cod local Ken Gavin, and several cousins and in-laws. He was predeceased by his beautiful daughters Allison and Heather. He was very much loved and he will be dearly missed.
A graveside service will be held at Mosswood Cemetery in Cotuit, MA on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00AM. A Celebration of Life reception will be held at a nearby location TBA.
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