What is there to say in the face of such a huge loss? I'm sorry, truly sorry. Wrapping you in love as I type this. Hoping that you feel held firmly and gently as you move into a different way of relating to John and the world with both his spiritual presence and physical absence. Love, Stacy

Dear Julie, I continue to hold you in prayer as you now step into a time of such tremendous loss. I hope that the hole that John leaves in his dying will continue to be filled by the light that he is leaving in this world. Your tribute to him through your beautiful statement and obituary will inspire many others as they inspire me. I loved seeing his pictures. What a beautiful Child of God he was. May you continue to be surrounded by loving family and friends and embraced in ways that reassure you that you can somehow sustain this loss with slow steps into the future without his physical presence.
Blessings and love to you, Carol

Julie,
When we saw you and John last we drove away in tears. Honored to know him, so sad it was the last time.

We will always be grateful to God for knowing him, his appreciation and love of the earth and its seeds and their growth through until harvest. He made all of us whose lives he touched better people.

May John Rest In Peace until we see him again! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.

Brad & Andrea

Sending healing thoughts to lighten your heavy hearts. I enjoyed having the opportunity to know you and John, and will always consider you neighbor, friend and mentor.

Thinking of you today as you begin the Year of Firsts (anniversaries, birthdays, holidays) without John. Good luck. You’re not alone.

The paradox of life is that the pain of losing someone we love is directly due to the joy of having been able to love them. Although much sadness pulls at my heart for all of the Gardner clan right now, it is balanced by the pull in the opposite direction by the comfort in knowing how you, Julie, and all of yours and John's children (and grandchild - Arlo!) were able to have lives filled with his presence in them. For any life lived as John lived his - with humour and grace, dignity and love - regardless of its length was a life lived very well. This is and will be John's legacy. It is one that I will honor by following in the same footsteps as best I can. Peace, love and the healing power of time I wish to you all.

Every time I saw John he had on his personage a contagious smile and a pair of cowboy boots. If the measure of any man or woman is, did they make the world a better place, then John's score is off the charts. I am, like so many others, a better person for having known, worked with, and laughed with John Gardner. Blessing, thanks, and peace to his family who shared him with us.

I am so sorry to hear about this loss. Although I had such a short time in Carrington, your family was always very welcoming and kind.

Prayers and hugs to your family.

Emily (Bruderer) Stefonowicz

John was a wonderful man who taught me much in the short time we worked together. He was always thinking ahead and looking at the big picture. His kindness, openness and willingness to help will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.

Julie,
I’ve been thinking of you all week & am heartbroken for your loss. John was a lovely person and your long, loving marriage was a great source of wonder & hope to others.
Be easy on yourself. I hope you find comfort in the services. Know I will continue to remember you, John & your family as you tackle the weeks ahead. Rita Cain Reid