PORTLAND – Robert “Bobby” John Gardner Jr., 24, of Rangeley and Auburn, died late Thursday night, Feb. 1, at Maine Medical Center as a result of an accident that occurred Saturday, Jan. 27, in Sandy River Plantation during a whiteout that involved the surprise sighting of a moose.

Bobby was born Jan. 2, 1983, in San Diego, Calif., a son of Robert John and Marjorie Anne (Grant) Gardner Sr. He received his education in Rangeley and Billerica, Mass., schools and was a graduate of Billerica High School.

He was a true outdoorsman, who enjoyed spending both his recreational time and his work time in the great outdoors. He worked in construction for Keith Webber, Ashley Gray and most recently for Phil Carter. Roofing projects were his favorite challenges. He enjoyed playing cards with his buddies, camping and snowmobiling.

Bobby always championed the underdog. His family describes him as kind, thoughtful, fearless, a good negotiator and a person who always wanted to make sure that everyone behaved themselves. He was always willing to do something for someone less fortunate than himself.

Because of his consideration for the quality of one’s life and his generosity as an organ donor, Bobby has improved the chances and the quality of life for at least five people and has given hope to countless members of those people’s families.

He is survived by his mother, Marjorie Anne Grant of Auburn; his dad, Robert J. Gardner Sr. of Montgomery, Ala.; his brother, Senior Airman Chance Austin Gardner of Phoenix, Ariz.; his fiancée, Patricia L. Brouder Kemp of Auburn; his godfather and uncle, Gregory Austin Grant of Phillipsburg, N.J.; two nephews, Avery and Brandon; his paternal grandparents, Robert and Jan Gardner of Florida; and his special Rangeley friends, Chris and Justin.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Maryann Mayer and Robert Austin Grant.