Wayne E Gardner

Wayne Gardner, 78, of Amesbury, passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 31. 2024. 

Wayne was born in Amesbury to Raymond A. Gardner and Zelma F. (Slye) Gardner. The family moved to Newburyport where he grew up and attended the Kelley School and Newburyport High. He served 6 years in the U.S Coast Guard and upon discharge accepted a job at The Newburyport Daily News starting as a truck driver quickly moving into a management position in the Circulation Department where he worked for many years and eventually met his wife Linda. They shared 31 years of marriage together creating many special memories. 

Wayne was an animal lover and had many interests including the New England Patriots, motorcycles, metal detecting, classic cars, collecting western memorabilia especially Hopalong Cassidy and Bob Steele. He also had a passion for Doo Wop music and could tell you everything about the song and the artist. He also enjoyed drives to the White Mountains, Vermont and the Seacoast. 

Wayne’s kindness, generosity and sense of humor touched everyone who knew him. His friends and family will miss his smile, his sense of humor and his many stories. 

He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Linda (Laflamme) Gardner, nieces Kirsten Crosby and partner Rick Ellsmore; Kim Crosby and husband Rich Wilbur; Brother-in-law Atty. Gerard Laflamme and wife Gina; Sister-in-Law Maureen (Laflamme) Anderson and husband Jim; Brother-in-law Richard Laflamme and wife Laura; Sister-in-law Karen (Laflamme) Antczak and husband Andrew; Sister-in Law Joanne (Laflamme) Saunders and husband Mark as well as many nieces and nephews by marriage along with close friends Ray, Gunner, Paul and Matt.

He was pre-deceased by his parents Ray and Zelma Gardner as well as his sister Carole (Gardner) Crosby and brother Ron. 

Services will be held privately for the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the MSPCA or any animal shelter or foundation. Arrangements were by Paul C. Rogers Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury, MA 01913.