LACONIA – A. Harvey Gardner, 88, of 435 Union Ave, died Thursday, October 20, 2011 at the Taylor Community CLC in Laconia.
Harvey was born in Boston, Mass., the son of Andrew H. and Chrystine (Miller) Gardner. Upon graduating from Northeastern University he worked for more than thirty years as an aerospace engineer for Northrop Grumman. While at Grumman he participated in multiple programs such as the Apollo Space Program. He also spent much of his later working life teaching customers in foreign lands how to maintain and operate the fighter bombers that their countries had purchased from the U.S.
Harvey and his wife Barbara were enthusiast square dancers and demonstrated their talents at the World’s Fair in New York City. He was also an avid skier up until the age of 86. Recently he had authored his first book, “The Beginnings of Christianity in Britain.” Harvey’s interest in things biblical came from his life-long church affiliation. Mr. Gardner was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Laconia. Harvey loved his family and enjoyed traveling.
He is survived by his daughter, Chrysti Arvanitis and her husband Jim of Parrish, Florida, his son Lee Gardner and his wife Laura of Alton Bay, NH, two brothers; Oliver Gardner of Palm Harbor, Florida and Giles Gardner of Melrose, Mass., five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of Christ Scientist, 136 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.