Wilbert J Gardner passed away peacefully on Tuesday September 12th after a brief stay at Hospice of Jefferson County in Watertown.
Born in Watertown NY on July 27 1937 to Wilbert A and Ruth Thrasher Gardner. He graduated from Watertown high school 1956, he then joined the army in 1957 were he served for 6 months as an MP, he then served in the Army reserves until 1963 where he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. On June 27th 1959 he married his high school sweetheart Jean M Foster.
Wilbert worked as a carpenter his entire life, working for such companies as Fredrick Brother’s, Dunaway & Morgan. He worked as Clerk of the Works on many projects in the surrounding area. He retired in 2000 from the Army Corporation of Engineers at Fort Drum. He worked as Clerk of the Works on many projects in the surrounding areas. He passed his love of carpentry to his sons and worked on many projects with them, including building both of their homes. He passed his fiery temper to his two daughters.
Wilbert also served his local community by being in the local Fire Departments, including Depauville , serving as a chief and treasurer, then Fishers Landing Fire Department. Wilbert was a zone 3 Fire Coordinator for several years. He also served on the committee for Depauville cemetery for numerous years. Wilbert’s biggest joy was his love of raising cattle on his hobby farm that kept him young at heart. Anyone that knew him well cannot forget his many beloved cats, he found them in the barns and brought them home as pets.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Jean M, children Debbie (Stuart) Jones, Stephen (Judy) Gardner, Dale Gardner and partner Dana Weems McCarthy, Jeannine Gardner and partner Eric Beadle, and seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his mother and father and one grandson Patrick Gardner.
A huge thank you to all that helped Wilbert and his family during his illness. Fresenius Kidney Care Watertown Dialysis Center, Dr. Sindhu and his staff for all of the dialysis support for many years. Volunteer Transportation Center for transport for Wilbert to his many appointments. Jefferson County Hospice for making his last few days amazing.
Per Wilbert’s request there will be no services, with a private burial. Celebration of life will follow at a later date.
Donations can made in his name to Hospice of Jefferson County and the Volunteer Transportation Center in Watertown.
Bob and Eunie Mott
Jean and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Never met Wilbert but felt like I knew him bc of our friendship with Jean. May he Rest In Peace. Love and prayers Bob And Eunie
Kathy Hicks
My condolences go out to Wilbert’s family.l only took him a few times to dialysis,but always enjoyed talking him. Kathy hicks , volunteer transportation center .
Mary Foster Schwalm
Aunt Jean and Family,
Im so sorry to hear about Uncle Wilbur. What a feisty man… Many fond memories in Depauville with you all. Thoughts and prayers to you. Love ,Mary Foster Schwalm.
Irene Lavancha
So sorry to hear the passing of Wilbert take care Jean love to all from the shawcross family forever friends
Jill Mason
Jean,
I am so sorry for Wilbur’s passing. I do miss the conversations we used to have in the Post Office. May he RIP!
Jill
Carmen Dickson
Dear cousin Jean and family,
Eliot, I and family are so sorry to hear of Wilbert’s passing. You have our heartfelt sympathy, love and prayers. Wilbert has always held a special place in my heart and memories shared will forever be treasured. God Bless you all and help you during your time of grief.
This is a poem I hope helps you in some way. Author unknown. ….
The blessings of your Father’s love are yours forever.
Your Father’s love lives on…
In his wise words, in the ways he shaped who you are.
In the beautiful memories that will always bless your heart.
Diane R McGraw
Amanda,
I’m so sorry for your loss of your grandfather. I know you loved him very much. You have many good memories in your heart. My prayers are with you and your family.
Diane
Laurie (Darou) Sigouin
So sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jane Delong
Sorry to hear of Wilbert’s passing my prayers are with you and your family.
I have such good memories which we enjoyed together
Love Jane
Rose Reff
So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Susie O'Neill
Jean and Family….I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers being sent to you all.
Stephen A Jones
Jean, Deb, Stu and Girls: Please accept condolences from your family in Maine. From what I can tell, Wilbert was a good man and will be missed by the entire community.
Carl Franks and Connie Sullivan
We are sorry for Wilbert’s passing. Used to pick him up for his dialysis appointments from home via VTC. Will miss him and your family is in our prayers.
Lorraine and Ken Rogers
Jean and family, Kenny and I are both sending our sympathy to all of you.
Hang onto all of the many memories you have……..
Diane Carr
Jean and family, we are very sorry to read of your loss. Thinking of you all. Diane, & Tom
PAMELA SCHNAUBER
Jean & family so sorry for your loss. Thoughts & prayers to all
Doreen Meeks
So sorry to hear of your loss.I hope he is with Donnie ,having a great conversation about ” The good ‘ole days”!