Birth date: Sep 13, 1952 Death date: Oct 4, 2013
Leonard Lawrence Gardner, 61, of Fort Myers, passed away Friday, October 4, 2013. He was born September 13, 1952 in Birmingham, AL and moved to Fort Myers from Port St. Lucie in 1990. He was an avid dancer and was an instructor at Read Obituary
As a customer of Larry's in Ft Myers I always looked forward to visiting him and his 2 Maltese's (which I know are very sad now) . I would always linger to chat with Larry about business and life. I always felt good after visiting him. I will miss him.
Larry was a wonderful person and a very loved friend. He will be missed!
I used to read with Larry at WGCU's Radio Reading Service! I had so much fun reading with him. We would read on Saturday mornings. I think the listeners would say that our best readings were if the daily comics! He was so fun! I miss reading as I have moved away from swfl. And, I miss Larry. Godspeed. E. S. Trone
Larry will be sorely missed by his friends at the Radio Reading Service.
Hi, Debbie, Larry also reached out to me, in NM, after his mother passed away. He told me the same thing – that he wanted to get to know his extended family. We called each other and e-mailed alot over the years. Larry was so kind and loving and filled with warmth when he spoke of family and told me funny stories. Your dad, my mother, and Larry's dad were faily close in age. I am pretty sure they were all deceased, once Larry and I became friends. He came to spend time with Rudy and me – and brought our Aunt Joyce and a close friend. Larry drove us all over the place when Rudy had to work and could not come. Larry had that map in his pocket – had it all marked and would not let any of us near it. NOW we know why ?? Seriously though, Larry was intelligent, and open minded. He certainly has his opinions, however, was always anxious to know what anyone else was thinking. He loved his kids and grandkids, and all the rest of us. And we will certainly miss him every day. As Cuz, Debbie said, , Larry, may you rest softly in the arms of our sweet Lord. Love you! Linda and Rudy
We will miss your positive, happy, dancin' feet, Larry. God, rest your soul. Andra and friends
I am glad that I got to dance with Larry just a few days before at a Rhythm In Motion event. It will be a special memory. He will be missed in the dance community.
Larry's dad and my dad were brothers. My father loved his brother, my uncle Leonard. I remember visiting them In Tennessee as a child several times, But really got to know Larry about 10 years ago. After his mom passed he decided he wanted to "get to know" cousins and family on his dad's side. And that he did!..We all had many good times with Larry and if he got the chance, he would travel and visit all of us. He always had a smile on his face and made us smile also. He was the spitting image of his father..and when I would talk to him on the phone, he sounded so much like MY father. The simple things like the way he would clear his throat or pause and explain things was JUST like my dad. Larry was my cousin, but I always looked up to him for advice and as a friend. Once he came to South Carolina to visit us and he had a horrible sense of direction…I don't know if anyone else knew this about him, but he always went the wrong way…When he left our house we told him exactly how to get back to the highway and gave him the exact directions once he got to the highway; yet he drove an HOUR to wrong way!..He called us laughing and telling us of his mistake and that was Larry!…We all had a good laugh!…He finally got turned right…Larry always got turned right in life. He lived life with a great outlook and had the most kind spirit. I am so glad I got to know him over the years and spend time with him…I will always love your smile, your essence, kindness, and loving ways..Larry, you will be greatly missed.I loved you very much!..Rest softly in the arms of the Lord, sweet Larry.
To a good friend, dance partner I feel the loss as though I was one of the family. Your support in helping me overcome a great fear will never go unnoticed. May Gods shinning light be with you and your family at this very sad time. You will be greatly missed. I love you. Jo-Ann Tirollo
