Frederick Mathew Gardner, 89, of Canyon City passed away Monday, Aug. 15, at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. At his request, no funeral services will be held.

Gardner was born April 13, 1927, in Medford to F.H. and LaVesta Gardner.

He excelled in grade school, skipping two grades, and went on to graduate from Medford High School in 1944. He then joined the U.S. Navy and served 18 months in the South Pacific. After receiving his honorable discharge, he completed two years of college at Menlo Park Junior College of California, majoring in aeronautical engineering.

After transferring to Oregon State University, he changed his major to business and technology and graduated in 1950. After graduation, he worked for Harry and David Co. of Medford, then established what became his lifelong career with Pacific Power and Light Corp., retiring as an executive in 1990.

Gardner met his wife, Vyvyan Freeman, while they were working at Harry and David. They were married Feb. 13, 1948, and had two children, Teresa and Brian.

Gardner was active in the Boy Scouts of America for years. He also became master of the Warren Lodge No. 10 A.F. and A.M. in Jacksonville, Oregon, in 1949 and went on to become the worthy patron of Adarel Chapter No. 3, Order of Eastern Star, in Jacksonville in 1960.

After his retirement, he fulfilled his dream of returning to rural Oregon where he and Vyvyan built a new home on their property on Canyon Mountain Trail near Canyon City. He then became active in the John Day Valley, becoming president and chairman of several local organizations.

Later in life, he enjoyed participating daily in a breakfast group at the Squeeze-In Restaurant. He enjoyed the friendship of many people, and likewise, many people at every level enjoyed a sincere and productive relationship with him over the years. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife, Vyvyan; daughter, Teresa; son, Brian, and wife, Lyn; one granddaughter; and one great-granddaughter.