Obituary of ROYAL McMILLAN GARDNER

Royal "RJ” McMillan Gardner passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2020, while playing tennis in South Lake Tahoe.

 

Royal was born to Duncan Gardner and Marian (McMillan) on April 4, 1949 in Berkeley, CA. He graduated from Aragon High School at the age of 16 and went on to receive a B.S. in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley. After graduating he joined the United States Air Force as an officer and flew in multiple operations, ultimately retiring from the California Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel.

 

He is survived by his children: Jeanette (Gardner) McNamara [James McNamara], Christina Gardner, and Ian Gardner; their mother, Eva Gardner; his siblings, Nona (Gardner) Weiner and Janet (Gardner) Anvick; and his grandchildren, James, Jasmine, and Jakob McNamara. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Norman Gardner.

 

He was kind hearted, with a bright mind, and life long thirst for knowledge. His ever eagerness to complete a crossword puzzle, play cards, outsmart streetlight grids, hunt down unbelievable bargains, and help a friend in need will be sorely missed.

 

With hearts filled with love and sadness, we invite you to help us remember and celebrate the life of ROYAL McMILLAN GARDNER as we say Goodbye to him with military honors at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery on

Monday, July 18th, 2022,    at 11:30am, at the

San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery,

located at: 32053 McCabe Rd., Santa Nella, Ca 95322

https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/viewmap.cfm?mapID=4&id=373

 

We will  gather at the Committal Shelter for Section C 19. 

(Please see attached map of the cemetery)

The Air Force Honor Guard will perform a burial ceremony, which will be followed by a brief service.

 

Following the ceremony and service, we welcome you to continue the celebration of Royal's life by joining us for a luncheon at "The Kitchen at the Mission",  located at the Mission de Oro Hotel, 13070 Highway 33, Santa Nella. We will gather inside theBalboa Room at 12:30pm. Please, bring your loving memories and happy stories to share with all of us. 

 

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.