Eldred Paul Gardner

Eldred Paul Gardner, known to nearly everyone as Paul (he never particularly cared for the name Eldred), passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, just 20 days shy of his 90th birthday.

Paul was born on November 4, 1936, in Nephi, Utah, to Eldred Ozro “Buzz” Gardner and Florence Leona Sperry Gardner. He was proud of his Gardner heritage and the family roots and traditions that helped shape his life.

Paul attended South High School in Salt Lake City and later the University of Utah. He married Sandra “Sandy” Davis on December 19, 1956, beginning a partnership that would last more than 63 years until her passing in 2020. Paul was drafted into the United States Air Force and served at Edwards Air Force Base in California, where he and Sandy welcomed twin daughters, Pamela and Tamara, in December 1957. With just 50 cents in his pocket, Paul found himself the father of twins, living in a modest cinder block duplex on the base without air conditioning, next door to future astronaut Gordon Cooper. Money was tight, the California desert was hot, and cloth diapers were plentiful. Those early years helped establish the determination, resourcefulness, and work ethic that would define much of his life.

Following his military service, Paul began a career in accounting with JCPenney that would span more than 30 years. His work took him and his family to Texas, California, and eventually back to Utah. He also had the opportunity to assist with the company's accounting operations in Europe. Paul was known for his strong work ethic, practical wisdom, and attention to detail.

Retirement, however, wasn't really in Paul's nature. After taking early retirement from JCPenney, he joined his son Mark at Sports Den, where he spent another 30-plus years helping with accounting, sales, and whatever else needed to be done. He genuinely enjoyed working, but even more than that, he enjoyed the people he met and the friendships he developed along the way.

Together, Paul and Sandy raised four children and built a life centered on family, hard work, and shared experiences. They also owned the Old Meeting House Reception Center, which Sandy successfully operated for more than 40 years. It became a place where countless families celebrated weddings and other special occasions.

Paul had a lifelong love of the outdoors and staying active. He was an avid fisherman who especially enjoyed trips to Alaska and Utah's Uinta Mountains with his sons and his brother George. He loved skiing and was an accomplished amateur racer, winning numerous races in his 50s, 60s, and 70s. Remarkably, he continued skiing into his 80s. Whether fishing, skiing, biking, hiking, or playing tennis, Paul believed in making the most of every day.

Golf was another of Paul's great pleasures. As a longtime member of the Salt Lake Country Club, he enjoyed countless rounds of golf and developed lasting friendships with a wonderful group affectionately known as the “Rabbits.” The friendships, stories, and camaraderie meant just as much to him as the game itself.

Above all, Paul loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a steady source of encouragement, common-sense advice, and unwavering support. He taught his children and grandchildren by example, sharing his love of sports, the outdoors, hard work, and the importance of being there for one another. He was someone his family could always count on, whether for advice, a helping hand, or simply a good conversation. His example helped shape not only his children but the generations that followed.

Following Sandy's passing in 2020, Paul continued to enjoy his family, friendships, and an active life. During his final years, he was especially grateful for the loving care and assistance of Cindy and her team at Love at Home, along with the many friends and others who helped him maintain his independence and enjoy life in the comfort of his own home. He treasured the visits, kindness, and companionship of family and friends, which brought him happiness and comfort.

Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandy; his parents, Eldred Ozro “Buz” Gardner and Florence Leona Sperry Gardner; and his siblings, Margaret Ramey, George Gardner, and Bonnie Howard.

He is survived by his four children, Pamela Castleton, Tamara Copier (Henry), Mark Gardner (Shelly), and Todd Gardner (Tami); 16 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.

Paul lived a long, active, and meaningful life filled with family, friendship, hard work, and adventure. He will be remembered for his wisdom, generosity, steady presence, and genuine interest in the lives of others. His greatest legacy is not simply the years he lived, but the many lives he touched along the way.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Paul's memory by giving something he valued deeply: the gift of your time. Spend it with family, visit a friend, share a meal, or simply enjoy an afternoon together. Those moments and relationships were what mattered most to Paul, and there could be no more fitting tribute to his life.

A celebration of Paul's life will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Sports Den in Foothill Village, 1350 South Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.