ROTONDA WEST, Fla. – Paul Maurice Gardner, 77, of Rotonda West, Fla. and Cundy’s Harbor, passed away on June 24, 2022 at HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital, Port Charlotte, Fla., surrounded by his wife and two children.

Paul was born on August 21, 1944 in Auburn, the son of Arsene and Cecile (Bussiere) Gardner. Paul was a graduate of Edward Little High School, class of 1962, and graduated from Wentworth Institute with an associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1966. Paul was later awarded with an honorary bachelor’s degree from Wentworth in 2016.

Paul spent his entire career in the HVAC and refrigeration field. He operated Daris Refrigeration in Auburn for many years, and retired from F.W. Webb in 2011. His son, Paul, followed in his footsteps, and they enjoyed frequent opportunities to “talk shop.”

On July 4, 1964 he married the love of his life, Margaret “Marnie” LeBourdais. Paul and Marnie enjoyed their gourmet cooking group with special friends for over 38 years, golf, collecting antiques, sailing, and spending time together at their homes in Rotonda West, Fla. and Cundy’s Harbor. They were best friends and truly loved being together!

In more recent years Paul could be found on the golf course with his brother-in-law, Hap, good friend, Randy, brother, Gerry, and most recently, his grandson, Ben. On May 13 of this year Paul was playing The Hills in Rotonda West, Fla., and got his first hole in one!

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jeanne Lauze; in-laws Robert and Bernice LeBourdais; and grandson, Cpl. Andrew Hutchins.

He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Marnie Gardner; son, Paul Gardner (Michelle), daughter, Betsy Hutchins (Jeff); grandchildren Emily Gardner (Matt), Benjamin Hutchins, Tony Gelinas (Jenn) and Angie Kenerson (Stephen); siblings Gerard Gardner (Pauline) and Marguerite Gardner, brother-in-law, Hap LeBourdais; as well as many loved great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews; and special cousin, Bunny Wabuda.

Visitation will be held 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday July 7 at the Fortin Group, 217 Turner St. in Auburn. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 11 a.m.

Graveside committal will follow at North Auburn Cemetery.

To leave a message for the family in their online guestbook, please visit http://www.thefortingroupauburn.com. A service of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 217 Turner St., Auburn, 783-8545.

Donations in Paul’s name can be made

c/o Burr Taylor to

Cundy’s Harbor

Volunteer Fire Dept.

45 Taylor Rd.

Harpswell, ME 04079

Comments are not available on this story.