Brian Gardner's Obituary
Brian E Gardner, 82, went home to Heaven to be with Jesus, His Savior and Lord, on Jan 13,
2024. He was born on May 11, 1942 to the late Roland and Maude Gardner in North Canton, OH. He
had one sister, Nancy Bailey, ( Bill) and a niece, Laura Rey and nephew, Dale Bailey., 3 great nephews
( Andrew and Adam Bailey, Brad Washburn,and one great niece Bailey Gensley. Plus many cousins
and their families. He loved spending time with everyone.
Brian attended North Canton schools and was a great runner in Cross Country and Track. He
even made it to state one time. He was a very loyal Viking. Next he went to Baldwin-Wallace College
and continued his Cross Country and Track earning many ribbons and awards. He was also a very
loyal Yellow Jacket. He graduated college with a BA degree in Teaching Phys. Ed., then went on to
get his Masters in Sp. Ed. at Kent.
He taught Sp. Ed. in Jr. High for 35 years at Strongsville and loved it. We still keep in regular
contact with several of his students. In addition he also coached Cross Country and Track at
Strongsville for over 30 yrs. He also is a very loyal Mustang. After he retired he coached at North
Ridgeville for a couple years and became a Ranger. He loved working with many runners in all the
different schools.
In 1967 he married Karen Miller, Gardner who he met while at Baldwin-Wallace; the Lord has
taught us l how to have a great marriage; 56 yrs. We have 2 children, Kim ( David) with Jacob,
Hope, Kyle, and Cheyanne who live in Columbus, OH. Matt ( Rachel) with Kayla and Josiah., who
live in North and South Carolina. We have dearly loved spending lots of time with all of them and
seeing the grand children grow into very special adults through the years.
Brian has been very involved in Grace Church for many years and loved being able to go on 8
mission trips in and out of the country, plus leading and attending Bible studies at the Olmsted Falls
trailer park and church. He also volunteered at the O F Food Pantry, competed in races and played on
the summer softball leagues for many years. He loves sharing Jesus and serving others. One of his
favorite Bible verses is Matt. 20:28 . “Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as
a ransom for many.
In leiu of flowers donations can made for the Christian missionaries we support, our 6
grandchildren, or Grace Church Olmsted Falls.
Friends and Family may call from 2:00PM to 6:00PM on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Sunset Chapel. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00AM on Monday, January 22, 2024, with an additional visitation the hour prior: 10:00AM to 11:00AM. He will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park, North Olmsted, in Section 39.
What’s your fondest memory of Brian?
What’s a lesson you learned from Brian?
Share a story where Brian's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Brian you’ll never forget.
How did Brian make you smile?
