In Memory of Joe

Joseph David Gardiner
June 25, 1970~Dec. 7 1990

Joe was born June 25, 1970 into a big family of seven children. He was the next to the youngest boy out of 2 girls and 5 boys. He was cute and ornery and everyone loved him.

Joe continued to grow into a great kid. He had lots of charisma and charm. Joe was also a very intelligent child and did well in school. He loved animals. When he was about 14, he begged to get a chocolate Lab. He named him Choco. Joe and Choco were together constantly. Joe was heartbroken when Choco died a few years later. Joe played baseball for the YMCA and also with the rest of the neighborhood in our back yard. Joe also loved to hunt and fish. He would go out with his brothers and nephews and enjoy wildlife and nature. It truly gave him peace.

Joe enjoyed his high school years in Texas. He was very popular. He worked at the country club after school. He was very excited to get his driver’s license and drove his nephews and brother around everywhere they needed to go. He was the “big brother” and became such a leader and inspiration. The younger boys really looked up to him.

Joe graduated from high school and continued to work at the club and was trying to decide what he wanted to do with his life. He attended community college and was talking about becoming a policeman. We were concerned about that line of work, but he felt he could really help people.

In December of 1990, Joe went to a work party. It was a Sunday evening. He was hanging out with his friends and decided to do a back flip off someone’s shoulders. He tried it, but went too far, fell onto the floor and hit his head. The people there called an ambulance, but when they got there, they called life flight. Joe had a severe closed head injury. He died 4 days later. He was only 20.

There are no words to capture Joe’s true essence. We loved him like our own. He was my husband’s brother. I miss him more than I can say. His spirit and gentle nature left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He will love him for the rest of our lives and he will live on in our hearts forever.

We love you, Joey.




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