SHERMAN MILLS – LaForest A. Gardiner Sr., 90, died on Jan. 30, 2004, of cancer in Zephyrhills, Fla. He was born on Sept 11, 1913, in Hodgdon, the son of James and Georgia (White) Gardiner. LaForest was a potato farmer for more than 50 years. He served as a selectman in the town of Sherman, and was chairman of Sherman Olde Home Days. He was also a he was a 57-year member of the Molunkus Lodge No. 165 AF & AM of Sherman, and the Anah Shriners of Bangor for many years. LaForest accepted Christ as his personal Savior on March 25, 2000. He is survived by five children, Paul Gardiner of Whittier, Calif., Margaret Webb of Dyer Brook, Georgia Nicholas of Mars Hill, LaForest A. Gardiner Jr. of Indiana, and Jane Ricci of Carmel; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. LaForest is also survived by a sister, Geneva Wulf of California; as well as a great friend and companion of 10 years, Margorie Burden. He was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Mae “Rhoda” Gardiner; and a grandson, Matthew M. Ricci. God blessed him with a long and prosperous life. Funeral services will be announced in the spring. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may donate in LaForest’s name to Barnabas Ministries Inc., 132 Roger Williams Ave., Rumford, RI 02916 or Whited Bible Camp, P.O. Box 112, Bridgewater, ME 04735 or Evan Palmer, P.O. Box 7542, Chula Vista, CA 91912.
LaFOREST A. GARDINER SR.
