Ralph Gardner

Ralph Stanley Gardner died of natural causes on April 20, 2016.

He was born July 30, 1919 in Lakeside, AZ.  When WWII broke out, he joined the US Army Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet, and earned his pilot’s wings in 1943.  He was assigned to the 457th Fighter Squadron, 506th Fighter Group, Pacific Theatre, and sent to Iwo Jima in May 1945 as a P-51 pilot.  He completed multiple combat missions over Japan, and was part of the USS Missouri “fly-over” during the Japanese surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay.  Ralph chose to remain on active duty with the Army Air Corps, and served multiple pilot, pilot instructor and maintenance officer assignments, including the Strategic Air Command.  He retired in 1963 after 21 years on active duty; he loved being a pilot.

He was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He enjoyed his “beautiful” garden.  He loved quoting poems, ballroom and square dancing, playing golf, and doing puzzles.

He is survived by his children Peggy (Don) Hokanson, Ralph (Bette) Gardner, Debra (Frank) McKinley, and David (Janice) Gardner, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Katie Ruth Rollo Gardner.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Layton Valley View Stake Center, 1589 East Gentile, Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit family Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery.

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.