Harry Robert Gardner passed away peacefully on June 8, 2022, with his loving son Don at his side. He was born July 30, 1938, to Harry (Eugene) and Blossom Gardner in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

He was a graduate of Southwestern High School (Class of 1956).  Early on, Harry worked for Lattimore & Tessmer, and a few years later, through a relative of the family, he was given the opportunity to work for Ford Motor Company. Harry would spend the next 31 years in various positions, working at the Dearborn Stamping Plant, until his retirement.

As good fortune would have it, as a teenager, Harry started working at the Colonial House Restaurant in Taylor, Michigan. It was there that he met Danielle Kovoch who became the true love of his life, spending the next 61 years as husband and wife. Harry married Danielle on August 11, 1958, and together had three wonderful children, Denise, Dennis and Donald.

As a youth, Harry enjoyed playing hockey and baseball, and fishing.  He was very passionate about fishing, many times he would ride his bike from Taylor to Gibraltar with his friend Dave Duperron on the handlebars, for the chance to catch a meal or two. Harry's other passion was hockey. This found him coaching all three of his children at different levels of hockey, with the Taylor Hockey Association. Harry and Danielle together helped form the first girl's youth hockey team in Taylor, for which he coached.

After retirement, Harry and Danielle set their sights on building their dream home in Benzonia, Michigan in 1996. Wishing to add their own unique touch, Harry loved to work on various projects and custom finish work for the new home. On many early mornings, Harry and Danielle could be found fishing for salmon and trout on Lake Michigan on their boat the "Early Bird." When not fishing the Great Lakes, he and Danielle would fish on many of the numerous inland lakes for pike, large and smallmouth bass, and assorted panfish.  When not fishing, Harry loved to tinker and work on various projects, specifically buying, repairing and refurbishing boats during the winter months. He sold many boats, enough to be known in Benzonia as, "The Boat Man."

With Danielle leading the way, Harry would assist her with Special Olympics, participating in Relay for Life walks, and taking residents of the Maples to The Gathering Place for social events and dancing. Together they volunteered at The Maples with a Bunco Club, and organized fishing charters for children with disabilities.

As a couple, they traveled and vacationed in Colorado, Florida, Alaska and Hawaii, all of which always included fishing excursions.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents Harry (Eugene) and Blossom Gardner, his loving wife Danielle, brother David (Kay) Gardner, sister Virginia (Mark) Solo and daughter Denise. He is survived by his sons Dennis (Lisa) and Donald.  Loving grandfather of Nichole, Aaron, Rebecca and David.  Great-Grandfather of Mackenzie, Makayla, Mia and Mohammed.  Dear brother of Margaret (Fred) Lievertz.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday June 21, 2022 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home in Taylor, Michigan.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday June 22, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home in Taylor, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, it is the wishes of the family for donations to be sent to:

Susan Mast ALS Foundation

In Memory of Harry Gardner

2500 Waldorf Ct. NW, Suite B

Grand Rapids, MI  49544