Kimball Bert Gardner, 79, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026, at his home in Dammeron Valley, Utah. He was born on February 6, 1947, to Bruce Low and Ada Mae Rodgers Gardner during a brief stay in Sonoma, California. He was welcomed by his big brother Dexter, who quickly became his best friend and protector. After returning to their home in Afton, Wyoming soon came two beautiful sisters, Nanalee Eko and Jane to the family.

Star Valley, Wyoming was his home, and Kimball loved being near the beautiful mountains and rivers that surrounded him. He and his brother Dex traversed every square inch of the valley. They, along with other childhood friends, played out many shenanigans in the neighborhood of 2nd Avenue (which was nicknamed “Hell Street”).

Kimball attended Star Valley Elementary and graduated from Star Valley High School. He earned honors in football and wrestling, which he loved. He attended Ricks College in Idaho playing football and graduated with an associate's degree.

Kimball started working on the ranches of his dad and grandfather. He spent much of his time outfitting with his dad and family, bringing many hunters to the nearby mountains in hopes of trophy deer and elk. He later moved to California and worked at Save on Drugs with his Uncle Dee Gardner. He worked in the ski industry building the trams at Squaw Valley, CA and Snowbird, UT ski resorts. In moving back to Wyoming, he became a logger and had many great memories of that experience and said it was his favorite profession.

Kimball settled back to Star Valley and started a family. He married Karen Landcaster. They had 2 children, Suni Faith and Beau

Kimball, who were his pride and joy. He opened a hardware store in Afton, Kimball’s Cash and Carry. He also purchased a Cessna-182 airplane and got his pilot license. He was known as an excellent pilot. He loved flying and seeing the world from another view.

After his marriage ended in divorce, Kimball made a new start and moved to St. George, Utah. He got his contractor’s license and began building park model homes and the beautiful community of Canyon Cove. During this time, he was able to begin his life of adventure by traveling continents, climbing mountains, and floating rivers. He spent time exploring and creating memories that helped him become one of the most interesting men in the world. He was an excellent storyteller and shared his life experiences with anyone who would listen. He always had a few good jokes to share as well.

Kimball later married Kathy Hall and welcomed Jen and Shara as his daughters. Though the marriage ended in divorce. Jen’s children became very close to him.

After driving through the Zion Tunnel one day, Kimball decided that he would like to dig his own tunnel (just because he could) in the sandstone cliffs on some of his property. This became known infamously as “The Tunnel,” and he loved spending time there. His entrepreneurial mind was always thinking of what he could do with the tunnel. Friends near and far would try to catch him there for a visit- many of the world’s problems were solved there. He also started On Site Storage, a successful business selling ocean cargo containers. He enjoyed meeting with the people that purchased them from him.

Kimball met Pam Graf in 2015. They met at The Tunnel and began a courtship that brought them together in marriage. In the eight years they have been married, they have built a love that will last forever.

Kimball was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had a strong testimony and loved his Savior Jesus Christ. He was kind and generous. He quietly helped many people in a pinch, only wanting their friendship in return. We know he was welcomed home in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.

Kimball is survived by his wife Pam; his daughter Suni (Meleana) Andersen; his son Beau Gardner; his stepchildren Tiffany (Grag) Newby, Brooke (Cam) Ence, Derek (Annette) Graf, Jen (Jay) Gilchrist; and grandchildren- Destinee Andersen, Jase Andersen, Trey Andersen, Teague Andersen, Maddy Newby Best, Gracie Newby Aubrey, Olivia Ence, Drew Ence, Mia Ence, Colt Ence, Hayden Graf, Brighton Graf, Hunter Lundgren, Hayes Lundgren, and Jarrett Gilchrist. Great grandson Bronx; and special nephews & nieces.

He was preceded in death by parents- Low and Ada Gardner, wonderful grandparents, brother-Dexter R. Gardner, and stepdaughter-Shara.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 am at “The Tunnel” 1450 West Red Ledge Road, Washington, UT. Interment will be held at the same location. Please join us in remembering Kimball- the man, the myth, the legend.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Friends and family are invited to share their condolences and sign Kimball’s online guestbook at www.SpilsburyMortuary.com