Stephen Charles Gardiner Obituary (2024)

Stephen "Steve" Charles Gardiner, age 82, of East Wenatchee, Washington, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on December 16, 2024. He was born on April 24, 1942, in Chelan, Washington, to Charles and Betty Lou Gardiner. Steve lived a full and accomplished life, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, kindness, and cherished memories. Steve spent his early years in Holden and Chelan, Washington. He shared a close bond with his brother, Scott Gardiner, and his cousin Sandra Buckingham, with whom he was "glued at the hip" throughout childhood. After graduating from high school in Chelan, he moved to Seattle, where he built a diverse and successful career. Over the years, he worked as a store manager at QFC, a Teamster driver for Langendorf, and later as a systems engineer and HVAC specialist in some of Seattle's tallest buildings, including Columbia Tower. His strong work ethic and dedication to his craft were evident throughout his career. Steve married Jeanette Cozart on December 15, 1962, in Chelan, and together they had two children, Tanna Marie Gardiner, born February 13, 1968, and Jeffrey Scott Gardiner, born March 14, 1969. Though their marriage ended in 1981, they remained connected through their children. He later married Judy Gardiner. Beyond his professional life, Steve was a man of many passions. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, preferring sport bikes over traditional Harleys, and loved the freedom of the open road. He found solace and joy in the great outdoors, whether hunting, camping, or simply sightseeing. The stock market became a major interest in his later years, and he spent countless hours studying and successfully investing, always eager to share his knowledge with others. Steve had a deep appreciation for martial arts, practicing both Kung Fu and Tai Chi, and was known for his strong moral compass and quiet spirituality, which guided his life and interactions with others. His love for music was vast--his record collection ranged from Patsy Cline and John Denver to Eva Cassidy. Despite his usual taste, he surprised his daughter with a love for 80s and 90s dance music and even took his son to a KISS concert. Steve was also known for his thoughtfulness as a gift-giver, always seeking out the perfect birthday cards and presents. Despite being careful with his spending, he was a generous man who prioritized giving to others over things for himself. However, after much encouragement from his family, he finally splurged on a car for himself--a rare moment that his loved ones celebrated. Though a quiet man by nature, Steve had a warm and infectious laugh that could light up a room. Those lucky enough to witness his humor knew how special those moments were. One of the greatest challenges Steve faced was a severe back injury at work shortly before retirement, which greatly affected his ability to fully enjoy his later years. However, he remained mentally engaged through his passion for investing. He also found happiness in traveling, with two particularly memorable trips to Banff, Canada, and Hawaii, where every picture captured him grinning ear to ear. Steve was a dog lover through and through. His beloved rescue dog, Roxie, brought him immense joy in his later years. Although their time together was short, he loved her deeply and never got another dog after her passing. Above all, Steve treasured his family and friendships. Throughout his life, Steve formed deep and lasting friendships. His high school class remained exceptionally close, gathering for monthly lunches, a tradition he cherished. His warmth, kindness, and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Lou Blankenship and Charles Gardiner; his brother, Scott Gardiner; his ex-wife, Jeanette Cozart; and his son, Jeffrey Scott Gardiner. He is survived by his daughter, Tanna Dean, and his granddaughter, Jenna Treen, along with extended family and many dear friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Bethel Baptist Church (1354 Eastmont Ave, East Wenatchee, WA 98802), officiated by his daughter, Tanna Dean. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association, in Steve's honor. Contributions may be made payable to either of these organizations and can be sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA, 98936) who is caring for the family. Steve's life was one of quiet strength, deep love, and unwavering integrity. He will be greatly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew him. Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories of Steve and condolences to the family may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.