Obituary of Roger L. Gardner

Roger Lynn Gardner, 80 of Honeoye Falls, New York, passed away on February 8, 2024.

A celebration of Roger's life will be held at Merton H. Kays Funeral Home on Saturday February 17th at 11:00 am. Calling hours will be held at the same location on Thursday February 15th from 4:00-7:00.

Roger was born in Elmira, NY to Jesse and Isabel on July 20, 1943. He went to high school at Elmira Free Academy and graduated in 1961. He went on to earn a degree in business from Corning Community College. He started work as a trustee at the Daisy Marquis Jones Foundation in 1994 and became president of that foundation in 1995 through his retirement in 2010. He was recognized many times for his dedication to working with the community, including a 2002 recognition for visionary leadership by Lifetime Assistance, a 2004 Friends of AIDS Community Health Center award, and a 2008 Metro Council for Teen Potential Friend of Youth award to name a few. The Himrod Fire Department also honored him by dedicating their fireman's field to him, naming it "Roger L, Gardner Field". He was an avid collector of model trains and antique crocks. He made many donations to the Genesee Country Village and Museum including a display of antique crocks that can still be viewed today.

Roger loved to spend time with his grandkids at the Genesee Country Village and Museum, and would always purchase them toys of their choosing from the gift shop. He enjoyed taking yearly cruise ship vacations with his husband Terry. He was a frequent diner at Flaherty's in Honeoye Falls and loved to meet up with family for brunch on the weekends.

He is survived by his husband Terry LaFave, his children Kathryn (Kacy) Wood, Jennifer Blanchette, Jason Gardner, his grandchildren Carter Wood, Brody Wood, Wyatt Blanchette, Amelia Blanchette, and his sister Suzanne Cady. He is predeceased by his parents and brother Jim Gardner. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Genesee Country Village and Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Rd, Mumford, NY 14511