Richard Gardner

Richard “Rick’ Gardner, 74, of Westminster passed away peacefully Friday, August 14, 2026 at home with his loving family by his side.

Born June 21, 1952 in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Elwood “Lefty” and Marian Gardner. He was the devoted husband of Glenda Gardner. They had been married for 42 years.

In addition to his wife Glenda, Rick is survived by daughter Melanie Gibbs and her husband Dustin, grandchildren Emily and Brendan, and sister Carol McGurrin and her husband Mark. He was preceded in death by brother David Gardner in 1970.

Rick or, as his students knew him, Mr. G, was an art teacher at several Howard County schools for over 35 years. He was the art department head at Howard High School where he also was the cross-country coach. He graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1971, and earned a master’s degree from Maryland Institute College of Art. He was skilled in anything relating to art and created many paintings, drawings, and etchings.

Rick liked being outdoors, either tending to his yard or going to the beach where he enjoyed surf fishing. He always enjoyed a cold Natty Boh while cheering on the Ravens, Orioles, or the Terps. Rick never met a stranger and he was loved by all.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 27, 2026, 1:00 PM, at the Jeffrey N. Zumbrun Funeral Home, 6028 Sykesville Road, Eldersburg, Maryland. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM till time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

Donations in Rick’s memory can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network www.pancan.org.

Online condolences may be offered at jnzumbrunfuneralhome.com.

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