Camp Courageous has lost a dear and treasured friend with the passing of Charles (Chuck) W. Gardner, 95, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Chuck had the unique privilege of watching Camp Courageous grow from its earliest days, when it was little more than a tree plantation across the road from Pictured Rocks United Methodist Church Camp, into the tremendous facility it is today. Throughout that journey, Chuck was a steadfast friend, supporter, volunteer, and trusted advisor to Camp Courageous.

Chuck was a hardworking and dedicated member of the Thursday Noon Optimists, and for decades he could be found at Camp Courageous helping with work projects and lending a hand wherever needed. His group was one of the very first volunteer groups I had the privilege of working with when I began my involvement with Camp in 1980.

It was also in 1980 that Dr. DeShaw and I met Chuck while calling on Robert Armstrong at his downtown Cedar Rapids store on behalf of the Camp’s Foundation. Chuck had worked at Armstrong’s for 35 years, and it was there that he met his wife, Mary. The two shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. Chuck retired from Armstrong’s in 1990 as vice president of operations.

Chuck’s commitment to his church and community was equally remarkable. He was a longtime member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where he served on numerous committees and as a longtime trustee. When Dotty Cummins passed away in 1997, she had asked that I prepare and present her multimedia eulogy at St. Paul’s. Chuck was there to help me through that difficult time, just as he had been there for so many others throughout his life.

Perhaps one of Chuck’s most significant contributions to the history of Camp Courageous came behind the scenes. When Camp Courageous needed to navigate the discussions surrounding the possible purchase of the Pictured Rocks United Methodist Church Camp, located directly across the road, Chuck’s years of experience serving on committees and as a trustee of the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church proved invaluable. His knowledge, relationships, wisdom, and quiet guidance came at exactly the right time. Chuck was the right person at the right time, and his direction and counsel were priceless to Camp Courageous.

Chuck leaves behind a beautiful legacy built over 95 years—a legacy of hard work, service, faith, friendship, generosity, and an unwavering willingness to help others. His contributions touched countless lives and will remain a part of the history of Camp Courageous for generations to come.

Camp Courageous extends its deepest sympathy to Chuck’s daughters, Anne Jones (Terry) of Cedar Rapids and Ginny Kremer of St. Paul, Minnesota, as well as to his extended family and many friends.

Chuck desired that memorial contributions be made to Camp Courageous, (www.campcourageous.org/donate), along with other charities that were meaningful to him.

We are grateful for Chuck Gardner—for his friendship, his service, his wisdom, and for the many ways he helped Camp Courageous become what it is today.

Thank you, Chuck, for a lifetime of caring and service. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

— Charlie Becker