EAST MACHIAS – Arthur W. “Tart” Gardner, 90, died Friday, March 19, 2010, at a Machias hospital. He was born Jan. 12, 1920, in East Machias, the son of Francis Adii and Delia (Ashley) Gardner. Tart graduated in 1938 from Washington Academy, where he established an extraordinary record as a basketball player and all-around athlete. After a stint in the U.S. Navy, he continued his education at Washington State Normal School. His first teaching position was at Machias High School in 1948, where he taught and coached until 1957. He then moved to Washington Academy, where he remained until his retirement in 1977. He served there as teacher-coach and then as headmaster for 17 years. During his tenure at Washington Academy he guided two building programs, oversaw the building of the baseball diamond and started on the softball field. In his younger years Tart ran Camp Jacksonville and then Camp Techwood at Gardner Lake during the summer. After his retirement from education, he spent much time in his garden, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He served as selectman of East Machias, a member of the State Principals Association’s Eastern Maine Basketball Committee, and after his retirement, as trustee of Washington Academy. He was a member of Warren Lodge for 54 years. In 1994 a new gymnasium was built at Washington Academy and named in honor of him and his son, Richard, for their long service to the school. He took particular joy in watching Washington Academy win the gold ball in the state basketball tournament in February. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Lawrence Gardner; and two sisters, Virginia Judkins and Frances Esty. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Alice H. Gardner; his son, Richard L. Gardner and wife, Margaret; his grandson, Kevin A. Gardner and wife, Kim; his beloved great-grandson, Patrick R. Gardner; two stepgrandchildren, Trevor and Channing Jessiman; several nieces and nephews. The family extends their thanks to the staffs of Davis Estates and Marshall Health Care for their care and concern. A special thanks to Dr. Kaplan and the staff at Down East Community Hospital. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, March 26, at Gardner Gymnasium with a reception afterward at Washington Academy cafeteria. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tart’s memory may be made to the equipment fund for the Planned Health and Wellness Center at Washington Academy, care of David Hitchings, P.O. Box 190, East Machias, ME 04630. Arrangements are in care of McClure Family Funeral Services, Machias and Lubec.
ARTHUR W. GARDNER
