Harry Gardner

Harry Gardner passed away March 23, 2009. Born March 1, 1919 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Harry grew up in Dearborn, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University where he met and married Ann Hafford. He served in the army during World War II in the Pacific, was wounded, and received the Purple Heart. Harry and Ann spent his working years in Albion, Michigan where he became vice-president of Union Steel Products before starting his own business as a manufacturers#8217; rep for wheels and castors. During the Albion years, Harry, with Ann, raised three daughters, involved himself in community affairs, was a member of the Rotary Club and American Legion, became a 32nd degree Mason, enjoyed tennis, and travelled the world playing golf with good friends. Because he possessed an outgoing personality and a willingness to give of his talents, he often found himself in the position of master of ceremony, emcee, and song leader. Harry loved music, and being blessed with a beautiful voice, he shared that talent everywhere: in church, at weddings, on stage, in the car, at home. He could clearly sing solo, but he had the gift of harmony, and he loved to sing with others, making the whole sound better. He especially enjoyed Barbershop. His quartet #8220;The Note Worthies#8221; provided much entertainment in Albion, and when Harry and Ann moved to Bozeman, he joined the Chord Rustlers and found a new quartet. Harry#8217;s life reflected who he was, generous, disciplined, ethical, and hardworking. As he aged and his physicality declined, he grew brighter in graciousness, gratitude, and tolerance. His gift of harmony never faded. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Dale Cronkhite. He survived by his wife Ann, two daughters, Lynne (Dave) McCormick, and Shan Brown, all who live in Bozeman, and four grandchildren. A service to celebrate his life will take place at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Friday, March 27th at 3:30 p.m.