Father, husband, brother, son, grandfather, uncle, friend, colleague, mentor, soldier, Henry S. (Hank) Gardner, Jr., 71, died peacefully on August 9, with his family at his side.
Hank was born October 18, 1951, in Paducah, Kentucky, to Hank Sr. and Arline Gardner. While Hank attended many schools as their family followed his dad’s military career, he always called the Rocky Mountains home. Hank had many passions. In sports, he was an all-conference football player in Wurzburg, Germany, a soccer player and coach and an avid baseball fan. As a ROTC student, Hank obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Biology at the University of Montana on the 6-year plan to accommodate his fishing, skiing and soccer passions.
Hank was committed to the military soldiers, sailors, airman and Marines. He was honored to be an Army officer. He was first stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, and then White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. While at White Sands, Hank was the project officer for the medical support of the first landing of the space shuttle Columbia when it was diverted from California due to weather. As his Army career continued, Hank obtained a Master of Science in public health from Tulane University. He transferred to Fort Detrick, Maryland, where he was medically retired from the Army due to multiple sclerosis. As a civilian, he continued to work for the Army at Fort Detrick managing numerous medical research projects and scientists. At the same time, Hank obtained a Doctorate in public health as a Kellogg Fellow at Johns Hopkins University.
Hank finished his professional career at Colorado State University where he was Associate Vice President for Research. He was a visionary who led the research development portfolio building collaborative research opportunities between CSU and academic, government and private sector partners. Continuing his commitment to the military, Hank was proud of the collaborative work done with the 10th Special Forces Group and the founding of the Office of Defense Engagement at CSU.
Personally, and most importantly, Hank was devoted to his Catholic faith, so in love with his wife, Sherry, and very proud of his children: Jennifer (Brad), Kitryn and Nathan. Hank is also survived by his dad Hank, Sr., brother Paul (Ann), sister Kit (Mike), brother Bud (Catherine), granddaughter Grace, extended family and many friends. Hank delighted in connecting people. He was a professional and spiritual mentor to many and a friend to all. His legacy lives on.
Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 9:30 a.m., Monday, August 21, 2023, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Parish, 5450 S. Lemay Ave, Fort Collins, CO, 80525. A lunch reception will follow Mass. A military service with interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO, 80236
Memorial donations may be sent in Hank’s name to Marisol Health Northern Colorado: Online – http://www.marisolhealthnoco.com; or check payable to: “Catholic Charities,” memo line: “Marisol Health Northern Colorado,” PO Box 568, Fort Collins, CO 80522.
