Reed C. Gardner

Reed C. Gardner of Spokane Valley, WA, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones  May 5, 2019 at the age of 82.

Reed was born to Ellis and Neta Gardner, on January 6, 1937, in Moody Creek, ID.  He married Marvel K. Moe in 1963.  Together they raised 10 children.

He grew up in southern Idaho, the 4th of 10 children. His family moved to Quincy Washington after his junior year of high school where his parents had a farm. Reed grew up learning the life of farming. After high school, Reed served a mission for the LDS Church in Uruguay, South America.

He met Marvel in Ellensburg, WA in 1961 through their mutual friends Wes and Ardella. They were both attending Central Washington University at the time as well as attending church together. After friendship, then courtship, they were engaged in the fall of 1962 and married in January 1963. They moved to Seattle WA where Reed completed his law degree in 1965 at the University of Washington. Their first child, Kevan, was born in 1963.

After graduating, they moved to Quincy for two years where Reed pursued both law and farming. They adopted Kent at two weeks old in 1967. They next moved to Olympia for two years, where Cheryl was born in 1968, before moving and settling in Spokane for the next 30 years. Kraig was born in 1970 shortly after they came to Spokane. In 1972, they adopted Beth at 20 months old. In the mid-70s, Reed and Marvel built a house on 12 acres just west of Spokane. They wanted space for their kids to play in the woods. From 1978-1980, their family grew considerably with the Columbian adoption of Juan (at 8 yrs old) and Blanca (at 4 years old), as well as the adoption of Sarah (6 mos old), and the birth of Michael in 1980. They also had a foster daughter, Caroline, from South Korea during this time.  

Reed practiced law for 51 years. In Spokane he practiced with the Hennessey and Kearn Law Firm, and then for 18 years with the Federal Land Bank.

Reed and Marvel moved to Kittitas, WA in 1999. They raised their granddaughter Sabrina there and legally adopted her in 2017. He practiced law in Ellensburg at Volunteer Legal Services and then with Buscha Law. He was 81 years old when he finally retired when Reed and Marvel moved back to Spokane, this time in the valley. Reed loved the law and loved helping people through his profession.

He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served in many callings (jobs) including several in leadership as well as Scouting. He especially loved teaching Seminary and Gospel Doctrine. The Gospel was a very important part of his life.

A philosophy of doing good and serving others was evident in both his profession, his commitment to the LDS Church, and a variety of volunteer work. He was on the Great Northern School Board in Spokane for nearly two decades and served as chair for many of those. He was on the Board of Elmview, which serves adults with developmental disabilities, for nine years. And volunteered for 15 years at ASPEN (Abuse Support and Prevention Education Now), for which he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

Reed was an avid basketball fan and player. He played until he was in his 70s. He also enjoyed hunting in his younger years, and he loved a good book. He enjoyed gathering with family and friends and could talk the ear off of about anyone.

Everyone who met Reed, was struck by his kind and jovial nature. He had an innate ability to relate to everyone no matter how different their life experiences were from his. Through his example, his children and grandchildren learned the principal of seeing inherent worth and dignity in every human being.

Reed was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in November 2018. After completing radiation and chemo, he was gaining back his strength to undergo surgery. It was during this time that he contracted pneumonia, which would end up being his cause of death. The family would like to thank the dedicated medical professionals that took care of Reed over the last few months.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Marvel, his 10 children: Kevan Gardner, Kent Gardner (Lori), Cheryl Demke (John), John Gardner, Kraig Gardner, Elizabeth Lucas, Blanca Gardner, Sarah Gardner, Michael Gardner, Sabrina Fuentes (Sergio); foster daughter Caroline Morasch; Eighteen grandchildren: Josh (Catherine), Zach, Emily (Ryan), Isaac, Caleb; Alex (Kimberly), John, Matt; Steven, Robert (Shala), Chris, Halley, Samantha; Jacob, Misty; James, Aaron; Neo. And fifteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by five sisters: Beth Gardner, Gayle Timke, Ione Barrett, Ruth Sidwell (Richard), Kaye Manly (Jim), brother-in-law Dennis Moon (Lora Jo), and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by James Ellis Gardner (father), Neta Nibley Gardner (mother), Glen Gardner (brother), Rita Moon (sister), and two infant brothers.

His family and friends loved him dearly - he will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, June 1, 11 am at the LDS Chapel 4014 S. Bowdish Rd. Spokane Valley.  All are welcome to attend.