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Barney L. Gardner, age 91, passed away peacefully Friday May 2, 2008 in hospice on May 2 after a long battle with Parkinson's. He was a member of Heights Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His beloved wife Virginia survives him, after a loving marriage of 68 years. He is also survived by daughter Phyllis Moffitt and husband Bruce and grandson Walter Deiter; daughter Patricia Higgins and husband Louis, and granddaughter Carol Dyer and husband Keith, and grandson Louis Higgins IV and wife Denise; son Byron Gardner and wife Susan and granddaughters Lindsey and Erin. He was a proud and caring grandfather to four great grandchildren and three great, great grandchildren. Barney was preceded in death by son, Laing Gardner, in 1976, and precious granddaughter, Patricia Higgins, in 1999. He graduated in 1939 from UNM with a BS degree in Geology, was student body president, lettered in football, and played with the Lobo team in the Sun Bowl. After graduation he worked as a Boy Scout Executive in northern New Mexico. (Barney had achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and the rank of Quartermaster in Sea Scouts). When WWII broke out, he worked as a Field Director for the American Red Cross stationed with the Ninth Armored Division. When he was drafted into the Army from the Red Cross he graduated OCS and was commissioned Lieutenant. He served in the Pacific Theater and worked on General McArthur's staff in Tokyo as Provost Marshall. When the war ended Barney wrote and helped implement the regulations for the repatriation of all Japanese troops who were prisoners taken by the Allies. This was logistically necessary before a full-fledged return of our troops. Barney received the Army Commendation Medal for his fine work in accomplishing this task. In doing so, he had volunteered to stay in Tokyo until this task was accomplished even though he had spent four years away from his family. Barney was a member of the American Legion for 60 years. He and his wife Virginia operated a successful public relations business for 25 years in Albuquerque. He was a talented and creative artist who worked in all mediums, winning first place ribbons in every show he entered. He was also a talented poet, a fine brave man, and was loved and respected by all he met. He will be terribly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Great Southwest Council, Boy Scouts of America, 5841 Office Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. (505) 345-8603, 1-800-368-9218, FAX (505) 345-4201. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, May 6 at 9:00 AM at French Mortuary - Lomas Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd. with Pastor Don Wilson presiding. Interment will follow at the Mountain Valley Cemetery Barton Road, Edgewood, New Mexico. French Mortuary 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE Albuquerque NM 87112 (505) 275-3500 www.frenchmortuary.com
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