William C. Gardiner

William C. "Bill" Gardiner, formerly of Olean, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at his home in Surprise, AZ, following a lengthy illness, with his loving wife by his side. Bill was born on Sept. 25, 1947 and was a son of Francis and Patricia Eaton Gardiner. On Sept. 1, 1973, he married his wife of 43 years, Christine Martin, who survives. Bill graduated from Olean High School. He enlisted in the Navy for 5 years. Bill then attended Jamestown Community College to become an RN, while working at WCA Hospital in Jamestown. He then worked at St. Francis Hospital until he decided to enlist in the Air Force, working in VA hospitals for 11 years, and becoming a Captain. Bill moved his family to Peoria, AZ, where he worked and retired as the Head Nurse in the VA Hospital in Phoenix, AZ. Bill loved spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid Bills fan and liked hunting. Bill was a loving and compassionate man. He was a Christian man and a member of the Grace in the Desert Lutheran Church. Bill donated himself to cancer research in Tuscon, AZ. His life was all about helping people. Along with his loving wife, Bill is survived by; 2 Daughters, Christine (Andrew) Gonzales of Peoria, AZ, and Kimberly (Gregory) Willingham of Irvington, KY; 3 grandsons, Gunner Gonzales, and William and Kenneth Willingham; 1 granddaughter, Skyelar Gonzales, 1 great granddaughter, Wynter Pelletier-Gonzales; 1 sister, Bonnie (Donald) Buchanan of Olean; 2 brothers, Thomas and Robert (Tammy) Gardiner both of Olean; and several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Bill was predeceased by a still born daughter Margaret Mary Gardiner. A Full Military Service will take place on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 with a Memorial Service at the Grace in the Desert Lutheran Church to follow, under the direction of the Abel Funeral Home in Phoenix, AZ. A Mass dedicated to Bill by the family will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, 202 S. Union St., Olean on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 11:30 am. Online condolences may be made by clicking the button above.