Emil Leon Gardner, 78

Emil Leon Gardner, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Cloverdale, California, on March 16, 2021.

Emil was born on March 12, 1943, in Shelby, Montana. Emil joined the U.S. Navy in 1962 and was stationed on the Aircraft Carrier USS Ranger. He married the late and former Shirley Green of Cloverdale in 1963. Emil was once part owner of the Grapevine Bar & Restaurant in Cloverdale.

He retired from the Geysers, after nearly 50 years, where he first worked as a geothermal driller and later as geothermal, oil and gas consultant. While at Dresser Industries he travelled often to Colorado, Texas, Utah, Japan and Venezuela. He was married to the late Martha Garrett from Cloverdale and Juanita Mercado.

Emil is predeceased by his parents and brother Dwayne.

He is survived by his current wife, the former Bobbie Hamblin, brothers Alfred and Arson Gardner, his children Darla Gardner, son-in-law Rod Earnest, Eva Gardner and fiance Jeff Kaiser, Dionne Gardner and son-in-law Billy Pint. He is also survived by his grandchildren David Eli, Alaina, Donavon, Seth and Jorja.

Graveside services will be held in at St. Richard Catholic Church Cemetery, Columbia Falls, in mid-June. In lieu of flowers please send donations to your favorite animal rescue.