Stephen Gardner

Stephen Gordon Gardner, 80, of Farmingdale, Maine, and formerly of Orono, Maine and Sedona, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025 after determined battles with multiple health issues. He was born in 1944 in Hutchinson, Kansas. Shortly after, his family moved to Orono, Maine, where he put down roots, and devoted most of his life. Steve graduated from Orono High School in 1962, where he was voted "Cutest Smile" by his classmates, and won his first basketball state championship. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Maine in 1966 and his master's degree from the same institution in 1972.

Steve served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1969 in the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, as a First Lieutenant. He deployed to Vietnam in the dangerous role of Forward Observer, responsible for calling in artillery fire during combat. Steve was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in action. His service in Vietnam became a defining chapter of his life, shaping his steadfast character and instilling in him the grit, perseverance, desire to protect, and unwavering loyalty that all who knew him came to admire.

Professionally, Steve devoted decades of his life to Orono High School, serving as a teacher, athletic director, coach, and administrator. During those years, he impacted the lives of countless students and formed close friendships with many colleagues-relationships that remained important to him throughout his life. In the later years of his career, he made a bold move across the country to become principal of Big Park, a K-8 school in Oak Creek, Arizona. There, he enjoyed the chance to work with and inspire young children, and formed strong bonds with new friends he made in Red Rock Country.

Steve had a lifelong love of sports as a fan, player, and coach. For twenty-two years, he was one of the most highly respected girls' basketball coaches in the area. Among his proudest moments as a coach were the years he coached both of his daughters, Sara and Susan, and celebrated two state championships with Susan. He relished taunting Sue that he had one more championship than she did, and listening to his two girls debate which of them was a better shooter. A competition was held, and the results have become a part of family lore.

As a sports fan, Steve was unwavering in his loyalty to the New York Giants-a fact his family lovingly teased him about-and also a passionate supporter of the Boston Celtics and Red Sox. In recent years it brought Steve happiness to watch his grandson, Isaac, as an ice hockey goalie, and his granddaughter, Carmen, on the basketball court and playing field hockey. Even when his health declined, it became his mission to attend as many games as possible.

Other than athletics, Steve reveled in a good cross-country road trip, taking many over his life with friends, family, dogs, and most recently, his beloved partner, Barb. He enjoyed spending time at the different camps he owned over the years, and all that camp life entails-diving from the dock every morning as a refreshing wakeup, going on boatrides, fishing, waterskiing, and reading a thriller or doing jigsaw puzzles at night. Other pleasures included hiking the beautiful Sedona mesas and mountains, Friday "choir practice" with the Big Park staff, hosting family and friends for visits in Sedona and at camp, experimenting with his wood lathe, Bassett Hounds, traveling, new and old friends, a large green pepper Pats Pizza, and a well done burger. Spending time with family was Steve's greatest joy in life, and it was clearly his biggest priority.

Steve was predeceased by his parents, Wofford and Virginia Gardner; his sister, Kathy Field; and Mary Ann Gardner, his former wife and mother of their children. He is survived by his daughters, Sara Gardner Miller and her husband, David Miller, and Susan Elizabeth Gardner; his cherished grandchildren, Isaac Gardner Miller and Carmen Rae Miller; his partner, Barbara Vrabel, his sister, Beverly Abbott, and several special nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St. Bangor. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation, refreshments, sharing of memories, and viewing of special artifacts from Steve's life, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., following the service. Interment will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Maine Veterans Project, 207 Parkview Ave, Bangor, ME 04401 or The Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Ave. Bangor, ME 04401. Both charities accept online donations as well.