SAMUEL D. GARDNER July 19, 1933 – May 15, 2021

Samuel D. Gardner, 87, passed away, with family present, on Saturday May 15, 2021 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

He was born on July 19, 1933 in Phoenix, Arizona. He was one of nine children. He spent his childhood in Durant, Oklahoma where his family ran a construction business.

After High School, he enlisted in the Navy and became a jet pilot. He left the Navy, in 1960, to seek a postgraduate degree in Physics from the University of Oklahoma. He was employed by Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1961-1994.

He was an avid photographer, fly fisherman, tennis player, golfer, camper, gardener and snow skier. He could repair anything with an engine in it and was adept at home repairs. He was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club, served as a Los Alamos County Councilmen, was a member of the Los Alamos County Planning and Zoning Commission, served as a volunteer for the Los Alamos Historical Society and was an active member of the Republican Party.

He enjoyed researching his family genealogy, attending Bible Study at Trinity on the Hill Episcopal Church, walking his dog Daisy and helping his sons build their homes. He was proud of his Choctaw Indian heritage and was a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Cathy, five children: Joan (Sandy), Dan, Sam (Sarah), Susan and Darryl (Tamra) and four grandchildren: Hannah, Nick, Hans and Sage.

A private service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.