1942 - 2021

Millicent & family

It was with great sadness that I read your email to let me know of Rob’s passing.  It was always a pleasure to spend time with you both when you came to your beloved Ballycastle home.  My mother Sarah so looked forward to Rob’s Dad, Matt visiting with her when he came and also the many visits she enjoyed with Rob and yourself at Carnageeragh and also in the nursing home.  Philip and I also looked forward to hearing from you when you arrived in Northern Ireland. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Millicent and your family as you process this enormous loss of Rob, a gentleman with such a gracious presence and great chat… 

May God keep you all in his loving care

Philip & Elizabeth

Many wonderful memories of Judge Gardner through the years. I especially loved the breakfast's the Legal secretary's put on each year for Benton and Linn county. Judge Gardner was our favorite emcee. He was so funny. What a wonderful personality, and a very fine man, and Judge. Prayers going out to the family!  Mary Long / Legal assistant

Mary Long

I was a court reporter for 32 years in Linn County. I first met Rob in the 70´s when he was a young attorney appearing in court. It was certainly always a pleasurable experience working with Rob as an attorney and as a judge. In my 86 years, he´s the only person that called me "Davy" and how much I appreciate that at this time. He was a beautiful person that I shared a little time with and have memories of.

David Wilson

In 1983 I was a practicum student and part time hire in Benton County Circuit Court. He was a welcoming Judge who made my time there feel appreciated. I will always be greatful for having known him over the years. It was always good to run into him on a run or when I biked by him home. I am sorry for your loss.  I want you to know how grateful I am for knowing your husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Susan Basey, aka Phillips

My sincere condolences to the entire family. I was blessed to know Rob as a member of my fitness center (Corvallis Fitness Center & then Wow Fitness for years and years. Always kind, supportive and took time to make sure you were okay. Enjoyed talking with Rob about his family - you could just see the glow and love in his eyes as he talked about you all. As far as his fitness level...off the charts and a major role model for many. I'm a better person, father & husband by knowing Rob. Focus on all those wonderful memories. God Bless Your Family
Rick Bennett

I'm so sad at the loss of Judge Gardner. I always felt safe and comfortable in his courtroom…. even when he was correcting me, he was always respectful, compassionate and very professional. It was an honor and a joy to
learn from him as a young attorney in the courtroom. I've missed him since he left the bench and now I'm sad he's gone from this world. My deepest condolences to the Gardner family. 

Liz Carle

I burst into tears this morning when I saw Rob's picture with his obituary in the GT. He was my beloved gym buddy and I have so been looking forward to seeing him back there after the pandemic so we could trade stories about how we'd fared on our farms during this time. You see, we've lived on a similar acreage on the other side of the Marys River since 1974, so Rob and I always had plenty of stories to trade about blackberry clearing, cider making etc. I guess it shows that we were strictly gym buddies, because I had no idea he'd even moved. And now my hope of seeing him again after the pandemic is ripped away like so much has been during this time. The older I get, the harder it is to find wisdom in others, but Rob was one of those people who had it. I just loved him and looked forward to seeing him in our yoga class. I was always telling my husband how Rob claimed that once he started doing yoga, he didn't have nearly the aches and pains. And he was always so game about trying for the balance poses. He was truly a shining light and I already miss him terribly.

Linda Crew

Rob was my first and absolutely most favorite college roomate, our freshman year at Juniata. He was a constant help and inspiration as I was trying to "find myself." I have followed his career and life with admiration drawing inspiration and encouragement from the tidbits of his life of which I became aware. A dear friend from the past and a treasured memory forever ... Rob.

Dale T O'Connell

Rob was a shining light to everyone around him. He was our son's first Cub Scout Master so many years ago when we met in the Adam's Elementary gym. He was a loving, doting dad to his 3 boys. Rob had all the qualities of a great leader while embodying a spirit of encouragement coupled with a wonderful, gentle sense of humor. The next time I saw Rob in action was with the high school group at church. The kids loved him as he respected their ideas and encouraged meaningful discussion. He was the consummate gentleman who imparted wisdom with respect to all. Rob lived his favorite Bible verse; "What does the Lord require of us but to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God"
Rob and Millicent graciously let us stay in their home in Ballycastle, Ireland. Both are deeply loved and regarded in that small Northern Irish village. What a difference Rob made on this earth as a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and esteemed judge. His lessons of humility, goodness, grace, and strength are his legacy and will forever make a difference. We were blessed to know him and offer our deep sympathy for his loving family. With love, and appreciation, 

Angie and George Voss

I only knew him professionally but was always impressed by his fairness and kindness to my clients who suffered from mental illnesses. He was an outstanding judge and man.

Jackie Lewis-Penner

To the family of Judge Gardner, our sincerest sympathies. Your Husband /Father/Grandfather, married my wife and I on a sunny Friday outside at the courthouse in Benton County in 1990. We are thankful to have met him and his name is one we will never forget. Thank you for sharing him with us, and I'm sure with many others. He is a GEM. 

Mike and Sue Riddle, 31 years and still going strong!

Truly a gentleman and a steady hand when the winds turned.
Rob was filled with common sense, a wry smile,
and two feet that were planted firmly on the ground.
What a loss.

Ronald Seastrand 

Millicent and Family -- We are heartbroken at the loss of Rob. He and you have been "family" to us for more than a half century, and that has been a wonderful blessing. Best man at our wedding, officiant at our daughter's wedding, and supportive participant in our lives, Rob's conversations and humor added to countless hikes, cross-country skis, fishing trips, and holiday celebrations over the years. We cannot imagine a better friend. He, you, and your family will always have a special place in our hearts. 

Love, Dean and Jackie DeBell 

Millicent, you and Rob are so special to me. I will always remember his gentle soul and the love he showed you. Thanks for being my friend for all these years.

Debi Stagg

My condolences on your loss. I met Rob through business he had in NJ. It didn't take long to realize Rob was a special man. I found him to be an honorable man and more than fair in his business dealings. Sometimes even to his detriment. I was saddened to learn of his passing. In reading his obituary it is clear he had a full life and was blessed with a wonderful family. 

Steven Marusky

Uncle Rob and Aunt Millicent have been the largest blessing to me growing up. I was honored to attend a few camp corvallases with the wonderful grandkids over the years and was also welcomed individually with open arms. It will always stay with me how warmly Uncle Rob welcomed me like family and made an impact with such evident authenticity and love. They took me to the beach, hiking, berry picking, and taught me how to love people and love life. The Gardeners are truly an extraordinary family and Uncle Rob is held in so many hearts with the utmost love and respect.

Grace Young

There are certain people who really make a big difference in your life.  I was blessed to work with Rob Gardner for a dozen years on the business and the growth of the Benton County Foundation.  He was a mentor so dedicated to our community work, and he always demonstrated great wisdom and integrity.  We had many discussions at his historic home under a grape arbor or around his woodstove.  He was just an amazing person.  One more memory.  Jay Conroy and I took our Cub Scout Den to Judge Gardner's court house in the early 90's.  Truly and incredible experience to watch him work with the scouts.

Dick Thompson

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Judge Gardner. I remember him from my long ago days when he was practicing with the Ringo, Walton firm. We shared a connection of the Marine Corps, me having been raised in the Corps. He was a kind, wonderful person and our friendship continued in his Judgeship. I'm so very grateful to have known and worked with him. My deepest sympathies to his family - it looks as though you will have many years of memories.

Jeannette Knower