No headline

Richard Gardner

Richard “Rich” Gardner found peace on Aug. 6, 2018, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Richard was born on April 28, 1965, in Ulysses, Kan., the son of Jacquelyn Moser and Stanley Childers.

In September of 1984, Richard met Jill, the love of his life, at the Slab Inn. They shared their first dance that night to “Silver Wings” by Merle Haggard, and have been inseparable since. Richard and Jill were married on April 5, 1986, in Post Falls, Idaho. As a couple, they devoted their lives to their family, raising two daughters, Kayla and Kelli, and one son, Shane.

You could not find a harder-working man than Richard. At the age of 15, he was already doing bridge construction in Wyoming. When he moved to the Northwest in 1984, he began working as a commercial insulator. While on the job, his work ethic was noticed by the management of Western Fruit Express, WFE, and was offered a job on the spot rebuilding refrigerated railroad cars. After several years, he was furloughed and began working in concrete for Gary Coe, a man who became an important mentor in Richard’s life. He moved on to work for Dan Kelly with Interstate Evectors. He loved walking the iron. In 1992, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) had openings for craft transfer. Richard took this opportunity to become a conductor, then in 2005 an engineer, for BNSF. Richard truly loved his job, always talking about the amazing scenery, and was thankful for the relationships he built during the many hours on the trains.

Richard had a passion for the outdoors; what he referred to as his “Northwest Therapy.” As an avid hunter and fisherman, he spent most of his free time in the mountains tracking his next elk or preparing lures for his next trip out on the boat. He never passed up an opportunity to teach anyone who would listen about the outdoors.

He was known for his infectious smile, extended stories and his compassionate spirit. He took great pride in his family and made sure that they always knew how loved they were. Whenever Richard talked about his children and granddaughters, his face lit up with joy. Richard is remembered fondly and was truly a blessing in many people’s lives.

Richard is preceded in death by his sister, Dawna. He leaves behind his wife, Jill; children Kayla, Shane and Kelli (Jesse); his granddaughters, Nehemiah and Khloe; his parents, Jacquelyn, Stanley (Joann) and Robert (Terri Lynn); his siblings, Stacy (Robin), Kayce, Betty and Jim; along with many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018, at Post Falls English Funeral Chapel, with a reception to celebrate his life afterward at The Falls Club in Post Falls. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Hospice of North Idaho.