Charles' Obituary
Charles “Bob” Gardner, 91, joined his wife in heaven on February 9, 2023. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on August 5, 1931, to Dora and Aubrey Gardner. He spent his childhood in different Texas locations residing between his parents and his special aunts and uncles. They all adored “Bobby” and influenced his young life in many positive ways. He would always credit the “Boys and Girls Club of America” in San Antonio for keeping him off the streets and out of trouble in his teen years. There, he mastered competitive diving and the game of Ping Pong, in which he played his entire life. He won many championship trophies in both sports. He also loved entertaining his family with his many yoyo tricks.
In 1949, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Great Falls, MT at the age of 18. He grew to love Montana, the scenic mountains, clear rivers and streams. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping with his family and great friends.
Bob met a special girl while at a USO dance. Margaret “Tootsie” Vik was crowned the Queen of the dance and she was instructed to draw a man’s name out of a hat to be crowned her King. She drew Bob’s name. He always said he was the luckiest airman that night. They were married for 66 years before Tootsie’s passing in 2019. Together, they raised two daughters and a son.
Bob worked over 30 years for Western Union. He was a talented electrician and machinist. Bob and Tootsie decided to retire the same day in 1986. He made sure he retired one hour before her so he could say he retired first! She loved his sense of humor, as did everyone that knew him. He also worked a couple years at D.A. Davidson as a maintenance man. There was nothing he could not build or repair. He truly enjoyed that employment and the wonderful people he met.
Bob and Tootsie were fortunate to spend 23 winters in San Antonio after retirement. There, they met incredible, lifelong friends. His love for Texas was very evident in the many family trips we took as children. We knew our grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and relatives as well as we knew our Montana family. He made sure of that.
He lived his remaining years at the Bee Hive Assisted Living in Great Falls. We are truly thankful for sweet Shelby and the special caregivers he had.
He was preceded in death by wife, Tootsie; his parents; and sisters, Faye and Gloria. He is survived by his three children, Louann (Harry) Wolfchief of Missoula, MT, Peggy (Tim) Reynolds of Park City, MT, and Larry (Vicki) Gardner of Deer Park, WA; grandchildren, Gardner James, Nicole (Paul) Menholt , Bobby (Jacquie) Reynolds, Heather (Josh) Warren, John T. (Hailey) Gardner, Cole Gardner, and Tasheena Wolfchief; great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Archie (Judy) Vik of Boulder City, NV; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
We have no doubt Bob and Tootsie are holding hands and laughing together again. Thank you for the incredible childhood you gave us. This family is loving and strong because of the examples you set. “Go with the flow” dad. Until we meet again, watch over us.
