Donald Stephens Gardiner

Donald Stephens Gardiner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, in his home in Midway, Utah, surrounded by his loving family. He was 76 years old.

Born on May 23, 1948, at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, Don was the eldest son of Stewart and Naoma “Na” Gardiner and a cherished older brother to Richard (Rick) and Dee Gardiner.

Don was attending the University of Utah when he met the love of his life, Mary Alice, and they were married on February 12, 1971, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with faith, adventure, and love, celebrating 54 years of marriage. They raised five children, who blessed them with 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who bring immeasurable joy to their life.

Don dedicated his life to service, faith, and hard work. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Africa from 1967 to 1969. Later, he and Mary Alice continued their lifelong devotion to their faith by serving three senior missions in Wasatch Addiction Recovery Program, St. Petersburg, Russia, and Redlands, California. All his accomplishments are important parts of his legacy, but the most important part is his faithful testimony that Jesus Christ is our Savior.

Don was a man of remarkable achievements and unwavering passions. He served as a First Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers from 1973 to 1976 and went on to have a successful 32-year career as an aerospace engineer exploring the frontiers of science and innovation, inspiring many with his brilliance and curiosity.

Beyond his professional and spiritual pursuits, Don had a deep love for the outdoors. He was an avid volleyball player, a passionate fly fisherman, and a dedicated outdoorsman who found solace in nature. He was also an artist behind the camera, capturing the beauty of the great outdoors as an accomplished photographer. Whether casting a fly on a quiet river, hiking through the mountains, or capturing breathtaking landscapes through his lens, Don embraced every moment of life’s adventures.

Known for his sharp intellect and quick wit, Don had a unique way of leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met, whether in lifelong friendships or brief encounters. Don's legacy is one of kindness, strength, and a deep love for his family. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those whose lives he touched.

Don is survived by his wife, Mary Alice, brother, Dee (Kim), children David (Jamie), Michael (Danica), Mark (Whitney), and John (Hailee), 15 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Don’s parents, Stewart and Naoma, brother, Rick, and daughter, Deborah (Debbie), preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 21, 11:00 am at Midway Stake Center 165 N Center St. Midway, UT, 84049, where a reception for family and friends will be held on Thursday, March 20th from 5 to 7:00 pm and on Friday at 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to the service. Interment, Henefer City Cemetery. Services will be live-streamed by scrolling to the bottom of Don’s obituary page.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to an outdoor fund in honor of Don's deep love for nature and his adventurous spirit.


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