Van Merlin Gardner

Van Merlin Gardner passed away at home on November 18, 2022 from end stage kidney disease surrounded by his loving family. Van was born on November 21, 1945 to Merlin Chester and Verna Green Gardner of Levan, Utah. He graduated in 1964 from Juab High School in Nephi, Utah. He married his high school love, Cherrinda (Cherry) Beck, on July 22, 1966. He was drafted into the United States of America Army in September 1966 and achieved the rank of Sergeant E5 before discharge in September 1968. He attended Snow College, Utah Technical College, and the University of Utah.

During his professional career he accomplished many start-to-finish industrial electrical engineering projects some of which included gold and silver mining conveyor systems and clean burn kilns in various states. One of his favorite projects was working on the Conference Center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Van was an avid outdoor sportsman who loved our mountains and lakes. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, boating, fast cars, horses, and having a good time with his family and friends.

His wit and sense of humor remained intact even during his darkest days. Van endured critical accidental injuries and illnesses that he faced with courage and grace without complaint. He was a warrior. He was always grateful for the many hours of help he received from family, friends, neighbors, and medical providers.

Van is survived by his loving wife Cherry; daughter Sharissa Haws, son-in-law Patrick Haws and their children Hannah, Ben, and Maya; son Brett Richard Gardner; sisters Debbie Smith (Doug) and Mollie Taylor (Lee); brother-in-law Allen Howell; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Karen Kendall and Tamra Howell; brother-in-law Grant Kendall and niece Kay Abila.

A viewing will be held Friday, December 2nd from 6-8 pm at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street, Midvale, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 3rd at 11 am at the Sandy Hillcrest 4th Ward, 8735 S. Harvard Park Dr., Sandy, Utah. Viewing prior to service will be from 9:30-10:45 am. In lieu of flowers take your family out for some fun.




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