Family spokeswoman Gabriella Holt, a friend of Peter Gardiner's and fellow politico on the Hill, has released the following statement from the family of the councilman. Gardiner died Saturday night.

Dr. Peter C. Gardiner

Rancho Palos Verdes Councilman 

Father, Grandfather, Dear Friend

1941-2009 

Personal Statement from Peter Gardiner's Family

 

The family of Peter C. Gardiner regretfully announces that Peter passed away on the evening of Saturday, July 25, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with melanoma.  Peter loved life, his family and his community, and will be sorely missed.  Peter joins his wife Tanda Kynette Gardiner, who passed away on December 11, 1994.

 

The family is both proud of and grateful for Peter's eight years of public service on the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council and four years as trustee on the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District Board of Education.  Peter was also a man with a strong faith in God and was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, where over the years Peter served as Seminary Teacher, High Priest Group Leader, Sunday School President and Ward Missionary for the Crestridge Ward of the Church.

 

The family would like to take this opportunity to thank the many friends who offered their kindness and support during Peter's difficult battle.  Peter is survived by his son,  Christopher, daughter, Christine and son in law, Karl Schmitz, his brothers Thomas and Jeffrey, sister Christine Novak; and his grandchildren,  Benjamin, Aimee, Sean and Ellerbrook Schmitz. 

 

Funeral services for Peter will be on Saturday, August 1, 2009, details yet to be finalized.  In lieu of flowers, Peter had requested that donations be made to the Perpetual Education Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Those interested in making such a donation may make checks payable to:  Perpetual Education Fund, 50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150.