Edwin Gardner Obituary

Remembering you, Edwin! Your gifts to DRC were inspiration for us to become non-profit; gave us the word "Dolfriends" - a beautiful combination of Dolphins and Friends, which I use pretty much daily to describe our relationships with our dolfriends here at DRC! Also you gave me the gift of some beautiful photos of me with my daughter, Jen, when she was just a few years old! Today she is a senior trainer and leader here at DRC, and those photos hang in my office! Love you Edwin, your memory lives on!

Whitney and Olive: I was a classmate of Edwin's at Sewanee. From the first time I met him, Edwin had a quality better described by another classmate and Nashvillite, George Paine: Edwin was pixie-like, kind of like Peter Pan, both in appearance and personality. He never had a bad word about anyone (at least not that I heard) and the older I get the more important that quality is; always had a joke or clever andle or view of whatever was the subject, and was wise and smart. From reading the words about Edwin, it looks like Olive has his genes and that would be a blessing to the world, that there will still be someone who will move around among us all spreading joy and just fun. JuJu and I were really hit by the tragedy and foolishness of Edwin's death; we wish you the best. John & Julia Taylor

Dear Whitney and Darling Little Olive:

What a tragedy! What a loss to you both, and no less, for Charleston.

I will always remember Edwin, and how I would tell him that he resembled Prince Charles in some odd way. (Smile).

My fondest memories were of always seeing him and Olive together. I still recall how many times the Board would meet and the sessions would last more than what was planned, Edwin would come and bring Little Olive and wait with her until the meeting was over.

Whitney, Darling, you have a Little Whitney with you; she is so lady-like, and seems to have your mannerisms. Through both of your memories of Edwin, you as a husband, and Olive as a daughter, will keep him always present in your home, business, and the City.

Somehow it slipped my notice that he made his transition following the accident, and had I been aware of it, I would have been in the over-capacity crowd as a support to your spiritual strength.

Know that God is Life, Life is Immutable Principle, infin-ite,eternal,changeless and unchanging,
and whether we express life through the body, the vehicle for our Spirit-Soul, or as a part of all there is, the Being we call God, Source, Father-Mother, Life continues. Edwin has shed his dross body to join all there is in the ethers.

What we call death is a paradox, for it is the portal through which we enter the stream of eternal life. Do not say "Good-bye," but Good night/morning; he has gone through the portal of "darkness," into the light of eternal day.

"Though his soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect Light; he loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night." Anonymous

Dear Whitney and Olive,
Ed always seemed like an old friend at the Andover gatherings and arts events where we tended to meet you and him. We share your loss and send our sympathy.
Carolyn and Bill Matalene
Charleston

Dear Whitney and Olive,

Susan and I are so sorry to learn about Edwin's tragic passing. If there is any comfort, it is knowing that Edwin is now and will forever be in the more immediate presence of our god.

We are thinking about you.

A tragic loss for our community.

Les and I are shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of your loss. Such a nice family, such a nice man. Seeing you all outside with Ace always brought a smile, and a feeling that all was well in the world. May you find comfort in prayer and faith.

Edwin was my friend. As a cultural resources manager in Middle Tennessee, I had worked with Edwin on several projects. I will miss his sage advice and experience. My heart goes out to his family; I wish them peace.

Edwin was a good man. My Appalachian grandfather said the best thing a man could possess was his "name", i.e. his reputation. Edwin had a good name. I'm proud to have known him.

Dear Whitney and Olive,

My thoughts and prayers are with you both during this most difficult time. One does not often come across such devotion to family and community as Edwin demonstrated! What a shock you have suffered.

Please know that I will do anything I possibly can to help you both deal with your grief. I will be heading home from here (Prince Edward Island)soon for the start of the new school year.

A big hug for each of you......

Love, Marsha Moreland

We are very sorry to hear about this loss. Edwin was a genuine good man and great father. Edwin and his family would frequent my former establishment (Gelateria Modica) and they were always kind and seemed like such a beautiful family. I know he will be missed by everyone.

Sincerely,
The Liviola Family

I didn't know you well but enough to you are great. I see you with your family and puppy sitting in front of the house sharing a family moment looking completely at peace and fulfilled. I see you during your engagement to Whitney so in love.... and you brought love to all you touched. What a star..
shooting... all love with you. amanda 2c Gadsden

I know you and Rose Mitchell are building a boat as I type this, Edwin. And later, you and she can take one heck of a bike ride together.

You will be sorely, sorely missed. The Ross family send Whitney and Olive as much love and comfort as we can muster.
Leila, Buff, Jack and Barlow Ross

Walking down the streets of Boston one day fifteen years ago, I noticed a tall, lanky figure across the street, a set of sharp features I hadn’t seen in years, and as I approached, he shouts out “I’ve been looking for you!”, as if he knew I would be there for him. And so I reconnected with Edwin after a decades of lost time. I came to meet Whitney, who energized him to a new level, and we were able to enjoy the last few years as long lost friends. In the summer of ‘72, we built whitewater kayaks together in my garage. Edwin embedded his lucky nickel in the deck, where he could always see it, and we enjoyed the rivers and wilderness together that summer. I still have my boat in my barn. It will carry even more memories now. John Durham Battle St. Albans 1972

We will miss you alot and thanks for all the efforts you put forth for the Cycling community.

Olive ,I cannot tell you how very sorry I am that your father has passed. I will always remember how wonderful he was to me and everyone he was with. Whether he was busy reserving a room at the library so that we could see the Italian opera live, or conversing with me in Italian, he always made me happy. We are thinking about you and your mom.

We send our most sincere regrets at your terrible loss. Edwin was a great leader in our community and will be missed by one and all

Dear Whitney,

May you find peace in knowing Edwin's life lives on in his legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Olive.

Dear Whitney, Olive and Gardner family,
We are heartbroken to hear of the tragedy of the loss of Edwin. He was a part of the Dolphin Research Center family - one of the truly unique characters who helped make us who we are today. We will always remember his great grin, infectious laughter - and especially his wonderful spirit and passion for what he belived in. We are blessed to have had him in our lives. Please know that we are here for you, our love and prayers are with you, and we're sending wet dolphin kisses and warm hugs your way.

Linda, Mandy, Rita, Kathy, Peggy & the DRC family - finned, furred & footed

Whitney and Olive,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We were so sad to hear the news. If there is anything that we can do, please let us know.

Michael and family

We've always enjoyed the Gardner family coming into the children's department of the downtown library. We are so sadden by this news and our thoughts and prayers are with Olive and her mom.

Dear Olive and Whitney,

We are all saddened by Edwin's tragic accident and the loss for your family. We had such a wonderful time sharing opening day of camp with Edwin and Olive just last week. He was truly a kindred spirit and we feel blessed to have known him.

Everyone at camp misses Olive so much and all have both of you in our thoughts and prayers.

love and hugs,

Missy and Sandy Schenck
Green River Preserve

Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I taught for a few years at Ashley Hall in the ECC and remember the connection between Edwin and Olive fondly. It touched my heart when her 3 year old voice would call him "Papa". ...it still touches me to this day and always will.

much love for all of you
-Rhet

I did not know that Edwin had been involved in the SC Aquarium - and now that I read that, I realize that the visit last week we took to the aquarium with our three grandsons ages 16,13 and 10 is a wonderful example of how Edwin will live on in the hearts and minds of people who never knew him - but who will feel joy and exaltation when experiencing any of the works of his life. This is certainly true for the three Dancy boys from Cibolo Texas - we will share Edwin's life and passions with them - so they see that every good thing they love came from good people who first loved that good thing. Thank you Edwin.

My deepest sympathies for your loss. I only had the great pleasure of meeting Ed once, but I will never forget him. He was a learned man of character, charm and wit.

David J. Canty, PA '74, Vandy '78

Dear Whitney and Olive, I know how much you will miss Edwin. He was a very special person to me and I know how everyone who had a chance to know him realized what wonderful things he brought to people's lives. I loved Edwin for the person he was and I, too, will miss him enormously. With all my good wishes to you,especially at this very sad time. Love, Lance Friedsam

To the Gardner Family:

Wade and I had the pleasure of getting to know Edwin through Buist Academy. He has such a passion for life, we automatically liked him! We were deeply saddened to learn of this tragic accident. Please know that we will be praying for your family, as nothing could have prepared you all for this. Olive, Millie sends her love and looks forward to seeing you soon.

Love, Wade, Sharon and Millie Knowles

Remarkable young man and an accomplished life...we will hold Whitney and Olive in our thoughts and prayers...how does one even comprehend a loss as this?

May he rest in peace.

Whitney and Olive, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Edwin was a joy to know and his passing is so tragic, he will be missed by many. I hope you can find peace in the memory of his enthousiastic approach to life. Love and Peace,

our thoughts and prayers are with the family

To Whitney and Olive~
May your memories of Edwin be filled with joy. He was a wonderful man and we will all miss his smile. With deepest sympathy,
Leslie and Mike Sautter

many feelings
few words
tragic, stunning loss
tremendous hugs
harry & diane

To the Gardner Family,
We were saddened to hear of the news of such a great guy. Please know that you are in our prayers.
Michael Gathers (Olives classmate)