Raymond L. Gardner Jr. 's Obituary
Raymond Locke Gardner Jr. passed away on July 6, 2017. He was 94 1/2 years old and a Lakewood, Washington resident for 65 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Martha; Beverly Carson Gardner, his wife of 57 years; his son John, and his brother William. He is survived by his son Raymond III; his daughter Barbara; grandchildren, Shannon and Brian; sister Diana Morelli and brother Barry.
Raymond was born in Seattle January 22, 1923 and attended Roosevelt High School. He received All City Football honors and graduated in 1941. He entered the University of Washington where he played football for the freshman and varsity teams. He was also elected president of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was passionate about Husky football and rarely missed a game in over 70 years.
He joined the Army in 1943 and was sent to Fordham University for the Army Specialized Training Program. Duty followed in Belgium, Holland, Germany and he participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged in December 1945 and reentered UW and graduated with a BA in Economics and Business.
Raymond joined Heidner and Co. in 1947 which was a long established Tacoma lumber exporting company. He was president of the Pacific Lumber Exporting Association.
He was an early member of the St. Francis Cabrini Church and took an active part in its functions.
Throughout his life, bird hunting with his sons and a long line of labradors brought him particular joy. Tennis was a sport he enjoyed at the Lakewood Racquet club until he was 89 where he also was president.
Remembrances can be made to your favorite charity or Franciscan Hospice, PO Box 1502 Tacoma, WA 98041
A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 AM Friday, July 14, 2017 at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Lakewood. Interment to follow at Mountain View Memorial Park.
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