FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – It is with sadness we share the news of the unexpected passing of Casey Cheyenne Gardner of Fort St. John, British Columbia, Canada. Casey suffered a heart attack and passed away on April 1, 2019, at the age of 58. Casey is a former resident of Fort Laramie.
A memorial service was held April 8, 2019, at Charlie Lake Community Church with a reception afterward at Charlie Lake Hall. Internment was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Fort St. John, BC.
Casey was born June 26, 1960, in Gordon, Neb., to Naomi (Mooney) and Richard Gardner, the seventh of eight children. His family farmed and ranched at Fort Laramie. He attended Fort Laramie Schools through 6th grade. In June 1974 his family bought a ranch in British Columbia and he, along with his parents and six siblings, moved there. He completed his schooling in Fort St. John, graduating from North Peace Senior Secondary School in 1980.
Casey worked alongside his dad and brothers on the family ranch, eventually striking out on his own. He owned a farm in Rose Prairie, BC. Casey worked at various jobs throughout his life, including horse wrangling in the mountains, running a cow herd, sawmill work and hauling drilling mud. He was an accomplished horseman and cattleman. At the time of his death, he had been employed at Macro Industries as a parts runner for the past 12 years. Casey was a valued employee, working longer and harder than many, always willing to do whatever was asked of him, never complaining.
In 1997 Casey married Teena Wolford and together they raised four children: Cam, Tanner, Cheyenne, and Taralyn.
Casey was a devoted son, father, brother and uncle. He enjoyed camping and taking trips afar with his children. In recent years he cared for his mother Naomi. His favorite things in life were lending a hand working cattle, branding, cooking, writing in a daily journal, and spending time with his extended family. He was always able to remember everyone’s birthday including his nieces and nephews and always took time to call. Casey will be remembered by the people who knew him for his big smile, crazy fun laugh, and the love and kindness he always showed others. He touched many lives and always put others before himself.
Casey was actively involved in the 4-H program as a leader, not only with his own children’s beef projects, but many others as well for the past 15 years. An award in his name has been established by the North Peace 4-H District to honor his selfless giving of time and energy to the organization.
Casey is survived by his wife, Teena, two sons Cam and Tanner and two daughters, Cheyenne and Taralyn. He is also survived by his mother, Naomi of Fort St. John, brothers Ken (Marilyn) of Kelowna, B.C., Edward (Michelle) of Dawson Creek, B.C., Bryan (Liane) of Baldonnel, B.C., sisters Terry Kemper of Navarre, Fla., Billie Allen (Roy) of Torrington, Jill Zetts (Mark) of Falls Church, Va., and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard and a sister, Roberta Milligan, both in 2009.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy and condolence can be made in Casey’s honor to the North Peace 4-H District Council, P.O. Box 6046, Fort St. John, British Columbia CANADA V1J 4H6.
