Eagle Creek resident, Sam Gardner passed away suddenly on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the age of 72.
Sam was born in Oregon City to Carl and Jewell Gardner. He completed 2 years of high school in Battle Ground, WA before joining the Marine Corps at age 17 in 1968. He married Laurie Sherrell on December 31, 1970, in Battle Ground, WA. They were married from 1970-2020 and remained best friends until his death. Sam was in the lumber business and owned Gardner Enterprises, Cheval Lumber and Mountain Lumber. He managed Mid-Valley Rehabilitation in Amity, OR. Sam retired in 2017 from Sunrise Enterprises where he served as executive director for almost 20 years.
Sam loved to cook, tell jokes and stories. His hobbies included being a hunting guide in Eastern Oregon, breeding horses, camping, boating, fishing, and crabbing. He had a very competitive spirit and enjoyed playing cards and dice games with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife; Laurie Gardner, daughters; Christy Price (Andy), Sherrell Sears (Scott), Debbie Gardner, Karry Walters (Josh), Son; Sam Gardner, Jr; brother, Paul Gardner; grandchildren; Johnnie, Michael, Shawne, Terra, Gage, Cody, Matthew, Kailey, and Kendal as well as 3 great grandchildren and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.
A celebration of life and reception will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 28, 2023 at George Community Church 41750 SE George Road, Estacada, Oregon.
Flowers or memorial trees can be sent to his daughter at 29466 SE Heiple Rd, Eagle Creek, OR 97022