Charles Laurence Gardner

Charles Laurence Gardner, 61, of Forest, Virginia passed away on November 2, 2024.

He was the son of the late James Warren Gardner and Barbara Jane Richards and the husband of Lisa Thorpe Gardner for 32 years.

Charles Laurence Gardner was born on June 29, 1963, in Inglewood, California. He attended school at University of Nevada, Las Vegas earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology then pursued his career in steam generator inspections of nuclear power plants at Anatec International in San Clemente, California. He moved the family to Lynchburg, Virginia in 2000 to continue nuclear inspection work at Framatome and BWXT before finishing his career at NDE Technology. During his 30-year career, he performed inspections at nuclear power plants throughout the US, Canada and abroad (France, Germany, England, Switzerland, Sweden).

Charles was an avid reader and enjoyed discovering new books on all subjects (history, geology, astronomy and cartography). He enjoyed snow skiing, water skiing and boating, hiking, camping and listening to music. Charles was a loving husband, father and brother and will be greatly missed.

Charles is survived by his children: James Gardner (Lynchburg, VA) and Catherine Gardner (Burlington, VT); his siblings: Susan Lawson (Roy), (Vancouver, WA); Gregory Gardner (Megan), (Bealeton, VA); nieces and nephews: Skylar and Chandler Lawson (Las Vegas, NV), Scott Lawson (Natalie), (NYC, NY); Gwenyth and Claire Gardner (Bealeton, VA); Anne Grace (Greensboro, NC) and his stepmother: Karen Gardner (Warrenton, VA) as well as many loving friends.

In addition to his parents, Charles is predeceased by his brother: David Hauser, (Des Moines, IA).

A visitation will be held on November 15, 2024, from 1:00 - 3:00pm at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, VA, with the Liturgy of the Word following at 3:00 pm in the chapel offered by Father John Christian, St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Potsdam, New York, on Friday, November 22, 2024 at 10 A.M. 

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.