Verlin D. Gardiner

Our beloved Verlin D. Gardiner, age 92, returned home to Heaven on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, in his home in Kaysville, Utah, under the loving care of his wife Eva Dene, and all his children. What a joyous reunion it must have been with his mother, father, sister, and many loved ones.

Verlin was born in Vernal, Utah, on March 24, 1933, the second child of Zelda Alplanalp and Francis Gardiner. His mother passed away when he was the tender age of 5. He was raised by a wonderful father, loving aunts and uncles, and eventually his third-grade teacher turned caring stepmother. His childhood was full of outdoor activities, working on the farm and in the family service station, and active involvement in church, school, and sports. He graduated from Uintah High School in 1951, where he served as the Senior Class Vice President, Seminary President, played baseball, football, basketball, participated in track, and was voted the King of the Senior Ball. He tried to be a friend to everyone and in turn, had many, many friends. Something true to his nature and personality which continued throughout his life.

After high school, Verlin attended Utah State University, became a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and took up skiing. It was important at that time to stay in school to avoid being drafted into the Korean War. During that year though, he became ill with pneumonia and before he could recover, was drafted into the Army. He was assigned stateside to serve at Fort Lewis in Washington state and there met dear friends who made an incredible impact and stayed in touch throughout their lives.

In 1955, Verlin was called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the East Central States Mission consisting of Tennessee, Kentucky, and parts of Alabama, Indiana and West Virginia. He loved meeting and teaching others. When a woman challenged his beliefs, he spent many hours in prayer, study, and soul searching, emerging with an unshakeable testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ, the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the restoration of the gospel. He leaves an incredible legacy of faith and devotion.

After returning from his mission, he met the lovely Eva Dene Pryor of Cedar City, who was teaching school and living in a rented space in his parents’ home in Vernal. He was totally smitten and continued to be every day of his life. Who knew that a few awkward moments of asking her on a late night first date, and forgetting her name on another, would turn into 67 years of marriage and a beautiful relationship for the ages. A match truly made in Heaven and to the blessing of their posterity. In his own words, “I love Eva Dene with all my heart. She is the light of my life.”

They were married on June 21, 1958, in the St. George Temple. Four girls and two boys (Annell, Gary, Laura Lee, Shannon, Sheree, and Michael) would complete their family. They set out to be a tight-knit, faithful family, involved in each other’s lives, laughing along the way, and deeply woven in the gospel of Jesus Christ. They succeeded. He was a fun, playful dad full of wisdom, advice, and thoughtful care.

After his mission and during their first years of marriage, Verlin attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, graduating in 1960 with a BS degree in Business-Office Management. After working for several companies, Verlin and Eva Dene created their own in 1975. Learning Systems, a parent-teacher store, was born. All their children would eventually work for them in different capacities. It was a family effort. In addition, Verlin worked for Follett Software Company for 16 years, where he was very successful selling software for school libraries, winning many outstanding sales awards.

They chose Bountiful, Utah to buy a home and grow roots. They raised their family in the same house for 45 years. Many dear friends and neighbors came into their lives during that time, and many remember his funny Christmas letters, poking fun and making everyone laugh. Something they all looked forward to every year.

In fact, one of the most endearing things about him was that when he tried to tell a joke, he would start giggling before he got to the punchline. Everyone would just laugh and encourage him to keep trying to finish, so they could know what was so funny. Sometimes the giggling turned out to be funnier than the actual joke. He also was a great writer, voracious reader, superior gardener, and enjoyed serving others in so many ways.

As the years went by, four sons-in-law and two daughters-in-law joined the family, as well as 23 grandchildren (and their spouses) and 11 great grandchildren and counting. All adored him! He loved every one of them and was always interested in what was happening in their lives. The grandkids will be forever grateful, especially as they age, to look back on Grandpa Gardiner’s weekly Sunday texts, complete with spiritual messages and funny jokes.

Verlin was called to serve in many capacities within his local ward and stake, including Bishop, Bishopric member, Branch Presidency Member at a youth correctional facility, Elder’s Quorum President, member of the high council, gospel doctrine teacher, etc. He was a beloved member of his congregations.

He and Eva Dene returned to the St. George Temple in 2003 as missionaries in the temple visitor’s center. This was a cherished experience together. They also served a Family History Mission while living at home in Bountiful.

Verlin’s greatest legacy was his family and his faith. Verlin wrote in his personal history about his own father, “Dad remained true to the principles and teachings of the church and taught us to be believers. For his devotion, love and care, I will be eternally grateful.” We feel the same about Dad, wholeheartedly echo his sentiment and will forever honor his name!

We love you! Until we meet again…

Verlin is survived by his adoring wife, Eva Dene; Children: Annell (Brent) Nord, Gary (Michelle) Gardiner, Laura Lee (Matt) Miller, Shannon (Lane) Stokes, Sheree (Todd) Robinson, and Michael (Kit) Gardiner; and grand and great grandchildren of 50 and counting.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 235 N Bonneville Lane, Kaysville, Utah. A public viewing will take place immediately prior to the service from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the same location. Interment will be at the Memorial Lake View Cemetery, located at 1640 Lakeview Dr., Bountiful, Utah.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.