Obituary

George Julius Gardner Jr., 87. died Nov. 2, 2018, at the Ketchikan Pioneer Home.

He was born to George and Elizabeth Gardner on July 9, 1931 in Craig. He was Alaska Native, Haida, Eagle-Frog/Sculpin (Salans).

Mr. Gardner was married to Geraldine (Rowan) Gardner (Rowan) for more than 40 years. They had seven children, and resided in Ketchikan.

Mr. Gardner served in the United States Army in the Korean War. He was a commercial fisherman (purse seiner) and carpenter. He helped build the schools and rebuilt the Salvation Army in Ketchikan. He served as chairman of the board of Klawock Heenya Corp., and was an officer of Klawock Island Dock Company. He was a past officer of the Alaska Native Brotherhood, Camp 14.

Mr. Gardner was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine (Rowan) Gardner; daughter, Julie Gardner; parents; George and Elizabeth Gardner; two brothers, both named Fred Gardner; and sisters, Edith Gardner and Myrna Garza.

He is survived by his brother, Pat Gardner; children, Cheryl Gardner, Derryl Gardner, George Gardner, Gerald Gardner, Myrna Gardner and Mary Gardner; grandchildren, Jacob Gardner, Jennifer Gardner, Billy and Derryl Kristovich, Katherine Hoffman, Yolanda Mason, George Gardner III, Drew Gardner, Nicole Gardner, Geraldine Gardner-Rivera, Stephen Gardner-Rivera, William Skinna, Gerald Gardner Jr. and Amanda Gardner; and many nieces and nephews. He was especially close to his niece, Patricia Gardner.

At his request, Mr. Gardner’s remains will be cremated. A viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, at the Ketchikan Mortuary, and a graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, at the Bayview Cemetery.