Lawrence Lee Gardner

Lawrence Lee Gardner of Fort Collins passed away March 14th 2025 . He died riding his bike, something he loved to do. He is survived by his wife, Susan Wooldridge, and his four children Amanda Sheldon, Michael Gardner, Drew Gardner, and Zoe Gardner. He was a wonderful father and husband who loved his family as intensely as he loved life. No one in his inner circle doubted his commitment to them, and everyone seemed to be in his inner circle.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio to his father Warren H. Gardner and Lynn Amersbach. He was the 2nd oldest of four children. He spent much of his younger days in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His active days began early on dirt bikes and swimming in pools. He learned to love music just like his mother and the pain of losing her at an early age has never left him. His father was in sales and influenced him in many ways as well.

Lee Gardner was an avid cyclist for much of his life and was involved in many activities, to include; Karate, Riding Horses, Running, Driving Fast Cars, Fixing Fast Cars and anything to do with a motorcycle. In fact, he had so many interests that it is hard to list him all here in the way that would do him justice.

Professionally Lee Gardner had a long career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He began in New Jersey working in Substance Abuse Counseling and quickly moved up the ranks to run halfway houses and Direct Programs. His natural leadership ability and intense passion for the work stood out wherever he was employed. At the end of his career he ran a private practice with his wife of 22 years who is also a therapist. She and him took on the world one human being in pain at a time. They loved working together, even though it was challenging at times. Their mission was clear from the day they met.

Early on in his life he was involved in the Survivors motorcycle club. This group of men were his early family and like Lee they embraced life and lived it to the fullest; as much as life would allow. Lee found meditation in his early 50s and was able to overcome much his physical pain, a remnant of living such an adventurous life.

Lee and his family moved to Colorado in 2018, a place he'd dreamed of living for most of his life, a place where he found his home, physically and spiritually. We lost him too soon, however, we all know he is just beginning some grand new adventure. Wish we could go with you Lee…………