Delmar Gardner

"Together Again"

DelMar was born in Shelley, Idaho, to Ira Gardner and Sarah Martina Hansen. He was the second of three sons, Ira Leon, DelMar, and Donald. They soon moved to Richfield, Utah, where he was raised. His father passed away when he was just seven, leaving his mother to raise three active boys. She died in 1947. Del served in the Navy during WWII, in the South Pacific. After the war, he attended Snow College for a while where he played football. On Christmas Day, 1948, he married the prettiest girl in town, Betty Lou Hansen. They were constant companions for 62 years, and were sealed in the Jordan River Temple in 1986 so their marriage could continue forever. They are the parents of three sons, DelRay (Diana), James Kirk (Chris), and Russell (Tammy), with 14 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Del worked for a time as a painter, then for the Telephone Company for many years, first outdoors as a lineman, which he loved, and later at a desk job where he coordinated repair work, which he did not enjoy as much.

Del was an avid outdoorsman, and with Betty and his three sons, they spent every possible day hunting, fishing, camping and exploring the mountains of central Utah. One of his biggest joys was when Betty would out do him and catch the biggest fish, or bag the biggest deer or elk, which she often did! One of our favorite activities was to pile in the jeep and take off to explore. We would take every road we found to the very end, then hike or play! As time went on, many hunting and fishing trips became near family reunions, which he loved.

After his retirement from the Telephone Company they added rock-hounding to their activities. He developed a passion for the hobby and they collected rocks from near Canada to Mexico. He couldn't wait to cut the rocks and see the beauty that was hidden inside. They started spending winters in Arizona with their rock-hounding friends, and over the years, amassed an amazing collection of rocks, many of which they cut and polished.

Del really struggled as his age and health started to limit his activities. To the very end he tried to continue rock-hounding and hunting. The most difficult time, though, was losing his dear Betty in 2011 after their ten-year battle with her Alzheimer's. He never felt complete without her. We rejoice now at their reunion!

Survived by his sons, DelRay (Diana), James Kirk (Chris), and Russell (Tammy), grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his brother Ira Leon.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 31st at the Midvale 7th Ward Chapel, 8350 So. Jackson. The viewing will be from 9:30 - 10:45 prior to the service. Interment will be in the Richfield City Cemetery.