Michael George Gardner

Michael George Gardner, a beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, at the age of 64. Born on March 22, 1960, in Hyannis, Massachusetts, Mike was a man of unwavering kindness, remarkable resilience, and endless love. He had a sense of humor that lit up any and every room he entered. Mike grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho with his siblings and parents.

Mike was the proud father of Michael and Jamie South. In 1989, Mike met and married the love of his life, Marianne Gardner. Together they raised five beautiful daughters: Lisa Nieslanik, Becca Cannon, Tanya Waters, Kristen Trinnaman, and Michael Shay Gardner. Mike’s kids were his pride and joy, and he spent countless hours supporting them in their many endeavors. Mike’s dedication to his family and love for his children was enough to carry them through the difficult years to come. On September 30, 1994, Mike was in a horrible automobile accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury. Although he survived the accident, he never returned home to his family.

Mike spent his early years as a skilled craftsman. He worked many construction jobs including building monolithic domes and working in fire engineering. His heart and passion were forever tied to music. Mike was an accomplished musician that played the guitar, mandolin, and banjo. He spent many hours, days, and years writing and performing music with the Black Diamond Band. The joy that his friends, fans, and bandmates provided him, is more than most people experience in a lifetime. He was always happy when he was with the band.

Mike’s kindness extended far beyond his immediate circle. He was known for his generosity, his infectious laughter, and his ability to make everyone feel at ease. His legacy of compassion and integrity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Jay & Gerri Gardner; sister, Erin; Nephew, Brandon; Bandmates; Joe Meeks, Terry Roth. He is survived by his wife, Marianne Gardner; children: Mike & Jamie South (and families), Lisa Nieslanik (Mike), Becca Cannon (Brian), Tanya Waters (Aaron), Kristen Trinnaman (Gabe), and Michael Shay Gardner (Chris); his grandchildren: Maddie, Megan, Bella, Finn, Lucy, Baylee, Brynn, Elli, Easton, Kamm, Birdie, and Charlee; his siblings: Jayann (Eldon), Megan, Tim (Lori), Matthew (Tandy); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you take your family to dinner, hold your loved ones close, and don’t pay mind to things that don’t matter.

We will miss you forever, Dad. Thank you for loving us enough to last a lifetime. We hope we make you proud. We would like to thank all of Mike’s caregivers over the past thirty years. Your dedication and love enhanced his remaining years.

Funeral Service will be held on October 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Aaron’s Mortuary, 1050 State Street, Clearfield, Utah. Friends may visit with family from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Clearfield City Cemetery. 

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