Long time Quincy farmer Melvin Dean Gardner passed away with family at bedside August 18th, 2023, at Columbia Landing Memory Care in Wenatchee, WA.

Dean was born on March 10th, 1927, to Tom and Marie Gardner in St. Anthony, ID. One of 12 children, he grew up on a farm outside of Teton, ID.

Dean completed school then went to work with his dad on the family farm. He entered the US Army Air Corps in 1945 and was honorably discharged in 1947.

After returning from the service, Dean married the love of his life, Vena Mae Crane, on December 20th, 1947.
In the Spring of 1955, Dean and Vena packed up their two children, Pennie and Nick, and moved from Teton, ID to Quincy where they had purchased 80 acres to start a farm.

Their first years in Quincy were spent living in a surplus military Quonset with no insulation or indoor plumbing, during this time they also welcomed two more sons, Brent and Harold. In July 1962 Dean and Vena started building their dream home and moved their family into their permanent residence in 1963.

While establishing the family farm, Dean worked side jobs in the off season. He worked at a service station in town and at the Sugar Factory in Moses Lake during the winters, often working nights. Eventually Dean purchased an additional 40 acres of ground, growing the farm to 120 acres. Along with picking up several pieces of rental ground.

Dean's family continued to grow and thrive in Quincy. Over the years he welcomed numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Dean officially retired from farming in the mid-90s, but continued helping as long as he was able. Spending many hours nurturing the garden and orchard behind his house.

Dean was a family man who brought people together. Family reunions and church work were the events he looked forward to. Dean could always be found with an instrument in hand and a crowd of people enjoying his tunes at family gatherings.
Dean is survived by his sons Nick (Darnell) Gardner of Soap Lake, WA, and Harold (Dorinda) Gardner of Quincy. He is also survived by his 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Dean was preceded in death by beloved wife, Vena Mae Gardner, daughter, Pennie Weber, son, Brent Gardner, along with parents, siblings and two grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Bert Flamm Mortuary (St. Anthony Idaho) Saturday September 9th at 10:00 a.m. Grave-side services to follow at Teton-Newdale Cemetery.