Max John Gardner passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2011.
He was born May 20, 1944, to John and Kathelene Gardner in Snowflake, the third of nine children.
The family lived and worked on a farm in Woodruff. From a young age, Max worked on the farm, and his love and natural ability to garden and work with animals flourished with the years.
In 1964, Max was called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Mexico. He served faithfully for two years, blessing the lives of many. Upon returning home, he attended college at Northern Arizona University. In December 1968, he graduated cum laude with a degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting. Shortly thereafter in 1969, he was admitted to Arizona State University Law School, where his hard work ethic earned him a Juris Doctorate in 1972.
For two years, from 1972 to 1974, Max worked as a deputy attorney for Navajo County. In 1974, he entered into private law. Four years later, he went into business with his brother, Marvin. His extensive study in business and accounting, as well as his agricultural upbringing, helped their pig farming ventures succeed.
Alongside his business, Max was a devoted member of the LDS church and worked diligently to perform voluntary callings therein, including bishop, Young Men’s president, Primary teacher, ordinance worker at the LDS Temple, stake high councilman, and stake self-reliance specialist.
He lived up wonderfully to his name and had a passion for gardening. Max cultivated success in his home, his garden rows and with his farm animals. He lived his personal motto: Do it early, do it right, get it done. Though a man of few words, he was a master teacher by the way he lived.
He was preceded in death by his oldest and dearly loved daughter Cheryse; his mother and father; two brothers, David and Marvin; one grandson; and four great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his loving wife of 27 years, Virginia (GG) Gardner; 14 children, Anna (Gale) Hansen, Marlin (Jennifer) Smith, Laura (Bryant) Petersen, Julie (Jeff) Strong, Tom (Krista) Smith, Matt (Carolyn) Smith, Colleen (David) Totherow, Lelia (Paul) Demuth, Becky (Leon) Heward, Doug (Karleen) Gardner, Jenny (Aaron) Sabin, Monte (Carly) Gardner, Brent (Cynthia) Gardner and Lynae (David) Woolf; 50 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.
