Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Friday, January 24, 2014 at 04:58:33 :
Marin Journal
Thursday, July 18, 1935
Page 1
Edwin B. Gardner, Stalwart Citizen of Marin, Dies After Operation in San Francisco
Masonic Rites Held in San Rafael Monday – Remains Taken to Oakland for Cremation
Edwin B. Gardner of Woodacre, one of the outstanding citizens of Marin county, is dead. An urn containing his earthly remains lies in a niche in the Chapel of the Chimes, Oakland, where the last rites were said Monday evening, following a Masonic funeral service in San Rafael a few hours before.
Death followed an operation performed at the Stanford Lane Hospital Wednesday by Drs. Kay and Gilman. It was thought that an operation on the thyroid gland would relieve suffering of the patient who had been afflicted with __?__ and a heart complication.
Fails Rapidly
Following the immediate effects of the operation, Mr. Gardner showed signs of improving but complications developed rapidly and the attending physicians stated the patient had developed pneumonia.
He became unconscious and Saturday morning shortly after four o’clock one of Marin’s finest citizens answered the final summons of Death.
Members of the family and friends were immediately notified and the body was taken to the Jenness and McElroy mortuary parlors at San Anselmo and arrangement made for the funeral under the auspice of Marin Lodge No. 191, F. and A.M. of which Mr. Gardner had been a member many years.
Widely Mourned
Relatives and friends from all sections of the county came to offer their sympathies to the sorrowing widow and other members of the family. They came to honor the memory of one who was held in high esteem and admiration by all who had the opportunity of knowing Edwin Gardner in life – a life filled with friendship, cordiality, consideration for his fellow man, one who was always kind, sympathetic, honest, upright and courteous in his conversation with friends, a man who had a wide capacity for gaining and keeping friends by his splendid traits of character.
Veteran Fireman
Perhaps no other man in Marin county knew this section of the state as did Edwin Gardner. His work as chief of the Tamalpais Fire District for the past 23 years took him into all sections of the county on fire fighting expeditions. Although his work was chiefly confined to the district around Mt. Tamalpais, which he knew like a book, he never hesitated in case of need to lend his invaluable experience to help wherever he could.
He was an expert fire fighter and his ability was also recognized by state fire officials from whom he often received words of praise for valiant work with his men whom he knew how to place at points of vantage when great conflagrations threatened.
Remarkable Ability
He was also a business man with remarkable executive ability. For a great many years he has been manager of the San Geronimo Valley Water Co. and was vice president and general manager of the Lagunitas Development Co., owning large tracts of land in that section of the county. For 30 years Mr. Gardner was a member of the Lagunitas School District, and he took a deep interest in educational and religious instruction in his home town.
Mr. Gardner was always in favor and took a part in any progressive movement for the county’s benefit.
With it all he was distinctly a family man. He loved his home, his family and his fireside. He took an active part in church and social activities, and encouraged and supported all worth while community activity.
Dr. Canoles Officiates
Dr. John J. Canoles paid a high tribute to the deceased in a prayer and brief address.
“We should have more men like Mr. Gardner. His capacity for friendships reached beyond the ordinary limits. He was a keen, wise, clean man. His was the religion which attracts the masses. Would that we had more like him. He will be missed,” said Dr. Canoles.
The ritualistic ceremonies were conducted by Worshipful Master of Marin Lodge, Albert Dean Turner, and members of the lodge. As the service drew toward a close Masonic brethren and friends of the deceased moved slowly past the casket to view for the last time all that remained, earthly, of their departed brother and friend.
Edwin Holton sang two numbers: “Lead Kindly Light” and “Abide With Me.” He was accompanied by Wm. Rattray.
Pallbearers
The honorary pallbearers were the five members of the Board of Supervisors: Gail Apperson, R. A. Thompson, Frederick Thompson, William Barr and A. Martinelli; E. J. Connell, Chas. Redding, A. L. Borkheim, M. J. Belfrie, Maj. Newell Vanderbilt, Walter Castro and Jas. B. Davidson.
The active pallbearers were all deputy fire wardens: E. G. Lanonette, R. A. Warden, J. K. Strain, George Collamore, H. E. Cassidy and J. B. Venderford.
As the funeral cortege left Masonic Hall for Oakland, it was led by a squad of traffic patrolmen. These were followed by members of the San Rafael Fire Dept. in full uniform.
Born In San Rafael
Edwin Burroughs Gardner was born in San Rafael 55 years ago. He passed through the schools of the city and became an employee of the Northwestern Pacific. Later he purchased a store on Fourth street which he conducted for a few years. Recognition of his executive ability soon brought him to the management of the vast properties of the development company in San Geronimo Valley.
Thirty two years ago he was married to Maud Fiori of Olema. He and Mrs. Gardner resided in Lagunitas for a few years, afterward removing to Woodacre. Besides the wife he is survived by one son and three daughters: Edwin F. Gardner, Mrs. Relda de la Montanya, Marjory M. and Beryl E. Gardner. Grandchildren are Edwin B. Gardner and Roger and Carol de la Montanya. A sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Oliphant of Gold Beach, Ore., attended the funeral.
Besides his Masonic affiliations, Mr. Gardner was also a member of Marin Chapter, R. A. M., San Rafael Pyramid, A.E.O.S.; Marin Lodge, I.O.O.F., Mt. Tamalpais Parlor, Native Sons; John Harris Camp and the California State Firemen’s Assn.
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