WEST, Gardner (Gard) David

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ April 2, 2009 Gardner David West died peacefully at home in the early morning hours of March 27, 2009, in the middle of a raging winter snowstorm. Gard was born Jan. 7, 1940, in New York City. Early in life he was introduced to what would become his lifelong passion - skiing - when his parents drove him and his younger brother, Soren, to ski resorts throughout New England. Gard grew up in Connecticut and Massachusetts. He joined the Air Force in 1957 and was a quick learner of computer skills as part of SAGE Air Defense. In 1962, he married Glenna Quimby and they had two daughters, Hollie and Kelly. In 1990 he relocated to the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, where his quick wit, gentle sense of humor, absolute integrity and consistent friendliness made him a prized member of the communities. In 1995, Gard met and married Maureen Mason, an educator from Round Valley schools. They enjoyed a wonderful and loving 15 years together. He is survived by his wife Maureen, daughter Hollie, brother Soren, and nephews and nieces Soren, Christopher, Emily, Nathan and Marian and families. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 5, at the Alpine Community Center in Alpine. In lieu of flowers and to ensure Gard's passion lives on, please consider a donation for a yearly ski trip for Alpine children. Your tax credit for Arizonans, tax deductions for others, can be mailed annually to the Alpine Ski GDW Club in care of Mike Cox, P.O. Box 170, Alpine, AZ 85920.