Clair “Duane” Gardner

Clair “Duane” Gardner went to be with his Lord on July 17, 2024. Duane was born May 17, 1942, to Norman and Clara Gardner in New Hudson, Michigan, and move to Harrison, Michigan at age 4.

He graduated as valedictorian from Harrison High in 1960 and went on to earn his bachelor’s with honors from Michigan State and his master’s from Memphis State. He married Anna (Ann) Marie Cloutier on June 23, 1962, in Harrison and they recently celebrated their 62^nd anniversary. They have three grown children, Scott, Brock, and Kim.

Duane was a pioneer in the field of respiratory therapy, registering as only 334^th RT in the U.S. In 1970, he founded the Respiratory Care Program at Miami Valley Hospital, which later moved to Sinclair College in Dayton, Ohio, and the program celebrated its 50th commencement in 2023. He went on to teach and practice in multiple colleges and hospitals throughout his 31-year career. In retirement, he worked at Ace Hardware and helped Ann take care of her daycare kids. They adored him and called him “Da.”

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Clara Gardner, brother, Norman Dale Gardner; sister-in-law Mary Lou Gardner; and nephew John Gardner. He is survived by his wife Ann; sons Scott Gardner and Brock Gardner, and Brock’s wife Astrid; daughter Kim McGarity and her husband Ryan; sisters Marlea Pierce and Jean Bringman, and Jean’s husband Edgar; sister-in-law Beverly Hopkins and family; and his beloved granddaughters, Megan Gardner, Kristin Gardner, and Katie Gardner Tafoya and husband Travis.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Duane’s honor to the building fund at Advent Presbyterian Church in Arlington Tennessee.