Del Fairbanks Gardner

Del Fairbanks Gardner, 85 years old, passed away peacefully in Mountain Green, Utah, on March 13, 2025, surrounded by his wife, Linda, and several of his children. He will be remembered for his kindness, love for family and friends, and particularly his fondness for good food and bad jokes.

Del was born in 1939 to his loving parents, Clark Gardner and Lois Fairbanks. He grew up on Military Drive in Salt Lake City, where he and his five siblings enjoyed an idyllic childhood. During this time, he formed a close-knit group of lifelong friends and graduated from East High School. His university education included a degree in mining engineering from the University of Utah and a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University.

After graduating, he began his career in the mining industry, working for Ingersoll Rand, Boeing, and Washington Cities. Eventually, he founded a successful company called Guardian Covers, where he manufactured scripture covers, bags, folios, and other custom products.

Following school, he married Ann Marie Yentsch, and together, they had five wonderful children. After their divorce, he married Linda Burbidge in 2000 and became an important part of her large, supportive family of 5 married children, 19 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Del was an Eagle Scout and an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He treasured his experience as a missionary in Australia and thoroughly enjoyed many years serving as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple alongside Linda.

Del was also a passionate sports enthusiast. He loved watching his grandchildren’s games, the Utah Jazz, and any football games, especially those featuring the Utes! Throughout his life, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, tennis, and basketball.

Del is survived by his wife, Linda; his siblings, Joyce Rawson, John Gardner (Mary Lou), and Marla Roberts; his children, Colleen Gardner, Leah Bryson (Andrew), Jesse Gardner (Liz), Rosy Lee (Mark), Robert Gardner (Aubree) and 13 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Mary Good and Clark Gardner.

Viewing Thursday Evening at Larkin Sunset Lawn - March 20^th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm 2350 E 1300 S Salt Lake City, Utah.

Funeral Service and Viewing Friday at the church on 1750 E Spring Lane, SLC, Utah - March 21, 2025, 12:30 pm viewing to be followed by the funeral service in the chapel at 2:00 pm. For those unable to attend, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please click on the "Watch Services" link above.