Richard C. Gardner Jr.

Richard “Tink” Gardner Jr., 75, passed away on Sunday, October 5th surrounded by his family. Richard was born on January 10, 1950, the son of the late Shirley (Bump) Gardner and Richard Gardner Sr.

He married the former Joyce Lemieux on October 16, 1971 at Sacred Heart Church in Bennington. Together they raised two children, Scott Gardner (Tracy), of Stuart, FL and Kaylee Gardner-Mulvihill (Frank), of Hoosick Falls NY. Much of his life was focused around his two grandchildren, Mattison and Mallory (Mulvihill), and he never missed their sporting events or recitals. Tink was their biggest cheerleader.

After receiving his education in Bennington, Richard enlisted in the Army via basic training at Fort Polk LA at an early age. He was also very active in the Army National Guard for many years, a member of American Legion Post 13 and BPOE (Elks).

For over 40 years, he worked very successfully in the car sales trade, mainly at Scot Mazda and Bennington Ford, learning from his father, along with Alan Morrison, the two “best of the best.”

In later years, he never wanted to stop moving. His version of slowing down at age 63 was to continue working at Energizer and later at Mack Molding, until the time of his passing. He cherished life, loved his jobs and always took special care of his co-workers.

Tink was all about his family and kept watch over all of us, especially as we were growing up. He was always there with a helping hand, shared the joy during our triumphs and was our biggest support system during the most difficult times.

Deer hunting at his camp in Rupert with family and friends was a big highlight of his life. And those Saturday night card games with his siblings weren’t just a game, they were a feast! Camping and fishing with family & friends at Birch Haven Campground on the Great Sacandaga Lake was one of his very favorite pastimes for decades.

He is also survived by his sisters, Gail Elmore, Sharon Gardner (Bob), Wendy Chenaille (Jimmy) and Kim Livingston (Mike), in-laws Steven Greenslet, Rosalie (Ken) Behan and John Peter Lemieux (Debbie), along with many nieces and nephews that respected and adored him.

In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his brother Gary Gardner, sister Linda Greenslet, and brother-in-law Edward Elmore.

Friends may call at the Mahar Funeral Home in Bennington on Tuesday, 10/21 from 4 to 6 p.m. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, 10/22 at Park Lawn Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dartmouth Cancer Center at SVMC through the office of the EP Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main Street Bennington, VT 05201..