ROBERT J. GARDNER

Surrounded in love, Robert J. Gardner, age 83, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Friday, December 9, 2022, in Culdesac, Idaho.  Robert "Bob" was born in Spokane, WA on September 26, 1939 to Robert J. and Agnes (Buchanan) Gardner.

Most of his childhood school years were spent in Spokane, but Bob had an innate love for the outdoors and, from an early age, he wasn't content in town. He took every opportunity to escape to the country, whether it be to their cabin on Little Pend Oreille Lakes, the Gardner ranch outside Addy, exploring on Huckleberry Mountain, or simply tromping alongside his father, Jack, in the woods. As a teenager, Bob was elated when they moved permanently to the Gardner family homestead in Marble Valley. He then attended high school in Chewelah. Following in the footsteps of his Gardner heritage, Bob pursued his passion of ranching and logging, which evolved into a very successful occupation.

Bob married Joy J. Burya, and they spent over 40 years working side by side and enjoying life together. Bob actively supported and participated in the growth and development of Chewelah; he served on the city council for many years, and was a longtime member of the Board of Directors for United Security Bank. He always had a heart for people and worked toward the best interests of the community. Bob was a lifetime member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and was named "Logger of the Year" at the Washington Contract Logger's Association, as well as "Honored Citizen" in Chewelah. Bob loved time spent on the water, either fishing or boating with friends; the flowers and turtles in Hawaii; packing his string of black mules; his many successful hunting trips; and especially setting up elk camp in the mountains of Idaho. After selling the logging business in 2004, he had more time to enjoy the dogs and mules on their ranch on Flowery Trail Road. He then took up gardening, another family tradition, worked the fields, and moved "elk camp" to the back yard, where he enjoyed it daily. Joy's passing in 2017 left Bob heartbroken.

Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed the outdoors, wildlife, and his animals. From childhood to his last days, he was rarely seen anywhere without a dog by his side. He was a good man who knew how to live life to the fullest. He had a very special way of making others feel comfortable with his listening heart, kind words, and his big, loving smile.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Debbie Voile, Doreen (Keith) Hogan, Lynnette (Gene) Bauman, and Bobbi Jo (Barney) Chambers, as well as many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A service to honor Bob will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 10:00 am at Danekas Funeral Chapel in Chewelah, WA, with Pastor Shane Moffitt officiating. Interment will be at Chewelah Memorial Park. Memorial contributions can be made to  Sally Paramore, P.O. Box 1096, Chewelah, WA 99109, attention Bob Gardner community memorial contributions.  Please visit the online memorial and sign the guest register at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com .  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted in care.