John "Jack" Harry Gardiner passed away on August 26, 1980. He was born on November 28, 1928, to the late John Roy Gardiner and Elizabeth Stock Gardiner. Jack lived a fulfilling life filled with love, humor, and immense kindness.

Jack is survived by his spouse, Anne Barker Gardiner, to whom he was married in 1967, and their children, Julia Barker Gardiner, John Bradley Gardiner, and David Barker Gardiner. He also leaves behind his sisters, June Gardiner Ramer and Lavina Gardiner Hansen; Uncle Otto Schmidt; Aunt Alice Stock Schmidt, and cousin Ronald Krempetz. Predeceased by his parents, Jack's legacy will continue on through these beloved family members.

Jack was an alumnus of J. Sterling Morton High School in Cicero, IL, where his radio career began on the school's own radio station before graduating in the class of 1946. Following high school, Jack worked for a time as a Cowboy at a real Dude Ranch, which was one of his favorite  memories.  His professional journey began with his service in the U.S. Army in 1952, where he was sent to Paratrooper School in NC.  Jack's long radio career evolved as a Radio Broadcaster to popular On-Air Morning Drive Time Personality and Program Director beginning professionally in 1954, and later at K-BOX Radio in 1966, taking the station to #1 in the country under his direction. He leaves a significant mark on the Country Music industry where he served on numerous boards and committees with the Country Music Association.  His distinct  and evolved programming methods while at KBOX were adopted by over 200 radio stations nationwide.  His amazing "radio voice" is still studied at colleges and universities in the U.S., including Loyola University.

In his later life, Jack became interested in Eastern Philosophy and Buddhist teachings. A man of simple pleasures, Jack was a textbook meat and potatoes man, took his coffee with three sugars, and in line with his family's British background, enjoyed  the occasional Gin & Tonic. Books by Lawrence Sanders and Tom Clancy were his favorites, as was music by The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Opera. He also enjoyed watching 20/20, Monty Python, PBS Masterpiece Theatre as well as movies like Dirty Dozen, The Great Escape and a love of awful Spaghetti Westerns!

Jack had a great love for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears, Greenbay Packers, and the Dallas Cowboys. A fan of the Opera, he studied and sang professionally. His recreational pursuits included family camping trips, long walks with the family dogs, reading spy thrillers, and bike rides with his children. An advocate for children's charities and animal welfare, in lieu of flowers, funds are being raised for the "International Fund for Animal Welfare".

In remembering Jack, one can't forget his love for words and even greater love for his bad puns. A man of high intelligence, a romantic at heart, well-dressed, and kind, Jack taught his children the valuable lessons about using one's "noggin" and the importance of logic, reason, and common sense for moving through life. His legacy is one of love, humor, kindness, and lifelong learning.

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