Ernest “Ernie” W. Gardner

Our beloved brother, Ernest “Ernie” W. Gardner fought the long, hard battle with COVID, although vaccinated, underlying conditions prevented his recovery. Saturday, November 20, 2021, Ernie joined his mother, dad and sister Twila in Heaven.

Ernie was born in Oregon City, Oregon to S. Anna Hollowhorn Gardner and Cecil W. Gardner on July 19, 1949. He moved with his family to South Dakota where he attended school 1st – 11th grade at Edgemont Schools. His family then moved to Mountain Home where he completed his high school, graduating from Mountain Home High School with the class of 67. Ernie was involved in sports throughout his school years with football and wrestling.

After high school, Ernie attended Boise State for a year, but the impending threat of the draft hovered over him, he joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country for fourteen years.

When Ernest returned to Idaho, he worked for the Forest Service and finished his career by retiring from Idaho Power.

Ernie will be remembered for his calm, steadfast wisdom, unselfish attitude, and his ability to overcome obstacles through perseverance and endurance. He will, also be remembered for his love of fishing, outdoors, country roads and Boise State University Athletics. He followed all sports, boys and girls and when the athletes went onto professional sports, he followed those teams keeping us abreast of what was happening!

Ernie loved Boise State so much, he bought a truck and a boat in Boise State colors. Unfortunately, COVID prevented the family from getting together and sharing these experiences with him like he had hoped.

Ernie is preceded in death by his mother S. Anna Gardner; father Cecil “Bud” W. Gardner; a sister Twila Jenkins; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ernie is survived by sister, Alice Otto, brother John Gardner, both from Mountain Home. Sister Cyndy Gardner, San Antonio. Nieces and nephews: Kelly (Salvador) Rangel; Erick (Kathy) Salvador Jr., (Perla), Valerie, Daniel, Ava, and Matthew; Dawn (Peno) Castillo, Cheyenne, Anthony, Ricky, Dalice and Grace. Cabrina Gardner (Morgan), Catherine and Mitchell. Monte Rinebold and many aunts and cousins who loved him and will miss him dearly!