Earl “Ray” Gardner went to join his loving wife Marge Saturday morning October 6, 2018. Ray was a loving husband, great father and father-in-law, fun grandfather and great-grandfather. He was happy he lived until he was 92 so he was able to enjoy his great-grandchildren and watch them grow. He marveled in their accomplishments.
If you knew Ray you most likely read some of his limericks, poems, Letters to the Editor, rhymes in his homemade cards, and other writings. He shared them with everyone from family, to other Valley Heights residents to current and past Presidents. He created The Joy of Living, his thoughts on living. This included the Joy of Napping, Eating, Scratching, Aging, to name a few. We will end this announcement in his words from the Joy of Living:
In Closing:
Composing these thoughts has been good fun
But now my Dears, I have to run
You know my life has been full of joy
It started when I was just a boy
From loving parents-their pride and joy
From my wonderful parents, Earl and Floy
I’ve done minimal scheming
But spent hours dreaming
And when things turned gray
I searched for a way
You have two choices
Said the prophet Mel
You can climb the mountain
Or you can land in Hell
So I chose the mountain
And it’s been a great trip
Among enjoyable things
A skinny dip
You shout “Encore” Okay, one more:
A Prescription for Living
“Never harbor darkness
Ride with the sun
Age with wisdom
But forever think young”
Mehl’s Colonial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
