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Eugene Gardner (1961 - 1987)

Eugene Anthony Gardner was born January 9, 1961 in Ogden, Utah, to to Morris and Orpha Gardner. He died May 10, 1987 in Utah.

Eugene is buried in the East Lawn Cemetery in Provo, Utah.

Tribute by Millie Watts:

Eugene was a neighbor of ours. When we first moved to Provo in 1975, he was a teenager growing up next door--the next year we moved a block away--but the corner of our lot touches the corner of his parents' lot--small, small world. We were in the same ward.

I remember when he returned home--with "cancer" (AIDS). It seemed like everyone in the ward knew he had AIDS, but it was not talked about. He lived with his parents. He was called to be the ward organist. Many in the ward were appalled, but some were supportive. I'm glad that I was--by chance--one who was supportive. From my home, I could hear him playing the organ in his home on quiet days. He was so talented.

I was in the Relief Society presidency when Eugene died. One member of our ward directly related to an apostle, talked with me and said that there was no way that his funeral should be held in our chapel. I was surprised and asked her why--and I remember she said, "because he is a sinner." I remember feeling at the time that she was wrong--her statement just didn't ring true to me. (This was way before I knew that we had gay children.)

His funeral was held in the chapel--and it was filled with friends and loved ones. I learned a lot from Eugene's life and also his death.

Love,

Millie Watts

Please add your own tribute by sending an email to James Kent.