Howard Garry Gardner, MD, (69) of Downers Grove, Illinois passed away on Monday April 8, 2013.   He was preceded in death by his mother Anita and his father Oscar.  He is survived by his wife Judy, daughter Molly, son Joseph, brother Donn (Barbara), Brother Rick (Colleen), nieces, nephews, colleagues, students and many dear friends.

Dr. Gardner was born in Gary, Indiana on October 5, 1943 and grew up there as a member of Temple Israel.  He graduated from Indiana University Medical School, and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis and was Board Certified in Pediatrics.  Dr. Gardner served in the Navy and Marines from 1969 to 1971 positioned in Vietnam.

Dr. Gardner was one of the founding partners of  DuPage Pediatrics in Darien, Illinois where he practiced for 40 years.  He was Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at both Northwestern University and Loyola University.   Dr. Gardner served as President for the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, President of the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition, Chairman of the Accident and Injury Prevention Committee, State Coordinator of Every Ride Safe Ride Program (children’s seat belt law), Editorial Board for Pediatric News, and Vice-President of Congregation Etz Chaim.  Dr. Gardner was also on the Governor’s Task Force on Occupant Protection, Secretary of State’s Traffic Safety Advisory, Co-Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board at Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region for more than 30 years as well as Pathways Awareness Foundation, National YMCA Medical Advisory Board, Board member of Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region for nine years, and Board member of the DuPage Society.  He was an original Founding Member of Loyola Ronald McDonald House and the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition Board.   Finally, Dr. Gardner’s primary commitment was always to the direct care of each and every one of the hundreds and hundreds of children and families whom he served. 

Dr. Gardner has received many awards of his leadership throughout the years including the Crystal Heart Award from Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region in 2002, the 2007 Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and the 2007 recipient of the Pathways Pioneer Award for commitment to assuring the best for all babies’ physical development. He has also been voted Pediatrician of the Year by the Illinois Chapter of Pediatrics.  His greatest reward was being able to impact all children as a pediatrician and establish a “Medical Home.”

Dr. Gardner was quoted saying the “greatest gift you can give is your time.”  He gave many gifts and was loved by all.  Dr. Gardner’s professional impact and warm relationships will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

A  memorial service will be at 10:45AM  on Friday, April 12, 2013, at Congregation Etz Chaim, 1710 South Highland Avenue in Lombard, Illinois; a reception will immediately follow at the Temple.  In lieu of  flowers,  memorials to Easter Seal DuPage and the Fox Valley Region(630-620-4433), Etz Chaim Social Action Committee,  or your  favorite charity would be appreciated.

A private gravesite service will be held on April 11, 2013 on Temple Israel in Portage, IN.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN.  219-769-0044 www.burnsfuneral.com

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.