Charles W. Gardner, 89 Owned Montachusett Business Equipment Co.

ASHBURNHAM - Charles W. Gardner, 89, of Cashman Hill Road, died Friday, June 15, 2007, in his home.

He was born on Oct. 1, 1917, in East Providence R.I., the son of Harry and Jennie (Boyd) Gardner. He was raised in Marlow N.H. He was a graduate of Vilas High School in Alstead, N.H.

In 1948, Charles moved to Ashburnham. For several years he worked for Smith Brothers Office Equipment of Fitchburg, before opening his own business, Montachusett Business Equipment Co., which he ran until his retirement several years ago.

He was an Honorary Life Member of the Ashburnham Fire Fighters Assoc. and a member of the Turnpike Rod and Gun Club of Ashburnham.

Mr. Gardner leaves his wife of 14 years, Gail (Bernard) Gardner; three daughters, Marilyn Parker and her husband Roger of Westford, Irene Eacmen and her husband James of Bakersfield, Calif. and Nancy Pitkiewicz of Johnstown N.Y.; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four stepchildren, Sally Fortin-Francis, James Fortin and his wife Andrea, Bernard Fortin and his wife Heidi all of Fitchburg and Stephen Fortin of Milford N.H.; nine step-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends. Mr. Gardner was the last of 11 children. He was predeceased by his first wife, Bernice (Pelton) Gardner, who died in 1975 and his daughter, Francine Wakefield.

Aubuchon-Moorcroft Funeral Home directed arrangements.