William Lawrence Gardner |
| Posted 2008-12-27 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, December 20, 2008 William Lawrence Gardner, a scientist who participated in the design of some of the world's most sophisticated aircraft, will be buried in Skull Valley Cemetery, not far from the ranch where he enjoyed his retirement years. Mr. Gardner, who was born Oct. 24, 1920, in Chicago, died in Prescott on Dec. 14, 2008, at the age of 88. Private graveside services are planned. The son of William and Noemi DuBuclet Gardner, he attended school in Riverside, Ill., and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in Beijing, China, from 1937 to 1941. In Beijing, he was assigned to duty at the U.S. Embassy. After his discharge on Dec. 6, 1941, he worked for Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. Moving to Boston, Submarine Signal Co. employed him until 1946; then he completed his education at the University of Chicago, earning degrees in physics, mathematics and philosophy. While in Washington, he met and married Bettie Burns. They had three children and remained married until her death in 1979. Mr. Gardner moved to California in 1951 and joined Lockheed Aircraft Co. At Lockheed, he was part of the Advanced Design Project Laboratory, familiarly known as the "Skunk Works," a top-secret installation responsible for experimental aircraft design. After retiring in 1985, he remained as a consultant. In 1983 he married Marion Magee, and together they moved to their ranch in Skull Valley in 1985. Retirement enabled him to indulge in favorite pastimes, including camping, deep-sea fishing in Mexico, four-wheeling throughout the West, video-photography, working on inventions and caring for his dogs. Mr. Gardner was instrumental in establishing Skull Valley's fire response system, and he served on the board of the New Adventures Child Development Center in Prescott. One of his pleasures was hosting an annual outing at the ranch for children in the New Adventures School. He was a former member of the vestry of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and subsequently became a member of Prescott United Methodist Church. Surviving Mr. Gardner are his wife, Marion; children Lucia Diane King, Elizabeth Joanne Katz and William Lawrence Gardner Jr.; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The family has suggested memorial contributions to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Final arrangements were made by Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home. Information provided by survivors. See Also: Find A Grave |
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