John T Gardner

John T. Gardner, 74, of Port Huron, died Friday, July 23, 2021 in Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, after a brief illness.

He was born January 29, 1947 in Port Huron to the late John and Ruth Gardner. He married Frances K. Buttigieg April 29, 1967 in Port Huron after meeting each other at a dance at the Armory in 1965.

John had multiple careers during his life. He was a Mechanical Engineer at Acheson Colloids, an insurance salesman for Western & Southern Life Insurance Company and also owned several rental properties, providing assistance for many low-income residents.

He raised his daughters to be strong and independent, teaching them life skills and work ethics. He lived a full life with many adventures and amazed his family and friends with tales of his childhood adventures with his best life-long friend, Freddie C., which were fascinating. He enjoyed traveling and going to the casino. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter and fishermen and loved to work out and play racquetball.

John had a rough exterior but was a gentle soul and was cherished by his family and friends. His passing has left a huge void in many people’s lives. In memory of John, have a shot of tequila and a Molson beer.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Fran of Port Huron; daughters, Denise L. (Erick) Harrison and Amber M. (Scott) Cleaver, both of Port Huron and Heather L. (Daniel) Tassell of Hudsonville; 11 grandchildren; three great grandchildren with one more due in February 2022; three sisters, Kathleen Kippen, Cheryl Woolman and Christine Barnes; brother, Gregory Gardner; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, George W. Gardner; parents, John and Ruth Gardner; and grandson, Evan M. Cleaver.

Visitation will be 1-3 & 5-7 p.m. Tuesday July 27, 2021 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. A time of sharing and prayers will follow at 7:00 p.m. The Reverend Bill Wahl will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children; and always give your change to the Ronald McDonald House Foundation when you eat at McDonalds.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral home. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com