John (Bill) w Gardiner of Tilton passed away on Oct 7th. John was born May 6th 1947 to Robert and Marcella Gardiner.  Bill grew up in Tilton and attended Daniel Grade School followed by Danville High School. At the age of 16, BIll learned quickly that school was just not for him. He decided to try his hand at flooring installation and worked in this field for his entire life. Bill had a very strong work ethic and valued hard work.
Bill was an Army Veteran, he served two years in Germany as a truck driver beginning in 1970 during the Vietnam draft. Bill met and married the love of his life Patricia Bryant in 1977, they were together for 48 years. Together throughout their life, they had many adventures.
In 1979, Bill studied to be a Mason, like his father before him,  and was a member for 45 years. Bill was very proud to be a member of the Masonic Lodge, and spoke of this accomplishment often.
  Bill was an all-around good time guy and never met a stranger. In his younger years, you might say he was a bit mischievous and there wasn't  a rule he wouldn't break. Bill loved his family and his friends. The friends Bill and Patty made together were family to them. They always had a garage full of friends and the pair could not be happier, the more the merrier. If those garage walls could talk the stories it would tell. Bill loved The Chicago Cubs, old Westerns, motorcycles, and sports cars. Bill was very proud of his grandchildren.  He loved seeing his granddaughter Isabella on stage singing and dancing and was amazed by her talent. He was proud of his grandson Dayten for growing into such a fine young family man and entrepreneur.
Bill is proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Linda Reffett, his grandson Branden Bryant,  very special friends: Dick and Linda Slazas and Corky and Donna Pelszynksi.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Shelly(Neil) Norton, his stepson Jimmy(Billie)Bryant, his granddaughter Isabella Norton, his grandson Dayten(Sierra)Bryant, 2 great grandchildren Ophelia and Oliver Bryant, two nieces Teri and Karel Reffett, one nephew Mike(Tess)Reffett, special "brother" Larry Johnson as well as a wonderful neighbor, Pamela Shaw.