Our dad, Milton L. Gardner, husband, father and grandfather, 84 years old, passed on Oct. 27, 2013 at his home.
He was born the 7th child of Francis A. and Priscilla Rose Gardner, in the little pioneer settlement of Lewisville, Idaho. All of his grandparents were pioneers from the eastern states who crossed the plains to Utah. His parents and siblings have all preceded him in death. He attended schools in Fort Hall, Nyssa, Ucon, St. Ignatius, and Pocatello.
Dad was always a very hard worker, running away to join a Wild West Show when he was 15. He started working for the Davey Tree Company in 1947. He met his wife, Arla May Ferguson, on a farm in Milo and they were married on Sept. 11, 1950. They just celebrated their 63 years together. They were blessed with three daughters and one son. Dad's fork took him all over the western U.S. so they bought a long trailer so the family could move around with him. They decided to settle down when the kids started school so they bought a farm in Clark, just east of Rigby, Idaho, living there until 1970. When he saw an advertisement in a farm magazine for cheap land in British Columbia, he was ready for a new adventure. After looking around and several visits, they moved to Francois Lake, Southside area, in British Columbia. There they farmed, raised cattle and ran a small sawmill for 35 years until their retirement in 1995.
After retirement, Dad and Mom moved to Kelly Road, overlooking Tchesinkut Lake. If he wasn't out fishing he spent peaceful days overlooking the lake and hills. It was his great desire to live out his life here at this home and we are grateful that this was possible.
Dad loved life. He loved his family, his dogs, his horses, his fishing and his friends. He was actively interested in what was going on in the world and always wanted to know all about his kids and grandkids, what they were doing, their travels and anything else what was new. Each time anyone talked to dad they learned something new and interesting, He taught us all about trees, rocks, fishing, animals, woodworking,c are, our ancestors, ropes, logging, hard work and family. We will miss Dad's wisdom and his wit, his love and concern. Our family extends a grateful thank you to all for their care and concern for us during this time.
Graveisde services were held on Nov. 2, 2013 at the Burns Lake, B.C., cemetery.
Survivors are: Wife Arla Gardner. Son Devon Milton Gardner (Christie) BC. Daughter Sheryl Packer (Trent), Rigby, Idaho. Daughter Linda Hlina (Bob), Prince George, BC. Daughter Kathy Funk (Ken), Burns Lake, BC. Fourteen grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.