Gary Gardner

Dr. Gary Gardner, 69, formerly of Danville IL., passed away at his home in Los Angeles, California on Saturday June 15, 2013. He was born March 24, 1944 to Elbert “Jake” and Eleanor (Emory) Gardner in Danville IL. Surviving family includes his sister Mrs. Gloria K. Tapp of Fredericksburg, VA.; niece Tracy (Ray) Harmon, also of Fredricksburg; two nephews Timothy (Becky) Tapp of Greenfield, IN. and Todd (Beth) Tapp of Centerville, VA.; seven great nephews and nieces, Connor and Brook Harmon, Stephen and Rachel Tapp, Clarissa, Caitlin and Cassidy Tapp. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandmother, Alice Emory. A graduate of Danville High School, Gary spent his early life in Danville with his family. He attended the University of Illinois where he earned his B.A. Degree. Gary went on to complete the Masters program in playwriting at UCLA before returning to University of Illinois to earn his PHD. Gary was offered a position as a professor in the Theater, Film, and Television Department at UCLA and taught at the school for 40 years until his death this past June. He will be remembered by his students as a passionate teacher who championed their work in the entertainment industry. Most considered him their mentor and their friend. Although he lived in California, Gary considered himself belonging to the Mid-West. He loved his home town so much that he owned property in Danville as a way of keeping connected with old friends. During summers in Danville, Gary participated in productions of Danville Light Opera, Red Mask, local Dinner Theatre, and enjoyed being part of Danvilles annual “Cemetery Walk”. He was also enthused about sharing in the production of a movie filmed in Danville by Mike Boedicker and Company. A memorial gathering in honor of Garys life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday September 7, 2013 at Sunset Funeral Home in Danville IL. with Pastor Rod Godly officiating and burial at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville. A visitation will be held an hour prior from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville. Memorials may be made in Garys name to one of the two scholarships being created in his name by UCLA; The Gary Gardner Musical Theater Scholarship or the Gary Gardner Playwriting Scholarship. Information on both is available on the UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television website. Condolences may be left at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com