Louis J. Gardner

COLONIE Louis J. "Lou" Gardner, 85, took that "Heavenly Train" to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 26, 2009. "Laughing Lou" was born in Troy on September 15, 1923 to the late Louis and Mary Gardner; he was raised by his devoted grand-parents, Joseph and Mary Conroy. Lou, a well known gifted musician of the Capital Region, was a member of the Army Air Corps during World War II, transferring to the US Army Band while in the service of his country. Lou played sax and clarinet, entertaining the troops with many of the legendary members of the Big Band era, including Glenn Miller, Jimmy Dorsey, Harry James, the Ted Louis Band and Joe Mango Band. Mango, a well known Big Band musician, was a mentor who taught Lou a distinct "playing style" that Lou had used throughout his long musical career. Upon leaving the service, Lou had the opportunity to go "on the road" with the era's Big Band acts, but instead chose to stay in the Capital area and become part of the post-war club scene, playing at the Hawaiian Club, Dinty's Terrace Garden, the Uptown Club, the Teneyck Hotel, the Showboat and Delabar, to name a few. During this time, Lou worked with and developed friendships with many of the era's celebrities, including Jerry Vale, Ginger Rogers, Julius LaRosa, Joey Bishop, Orson Bean and Rodney Dangerfield while playing the Catskill Resorts. In later years, Lou became familiar with many Capital District residents while playing with "Reggies' Red Hot Feet Warmers" for many seasons at the Saratoga Flat Track and also playing with the Dixieland Jazz Band on the Minnie Ha-Ha Steamship on Lake George every summer for many years. In retirement, Lou continued to play with his many musician friends at weddings, dances, nursing homes and other special occasions, including many at the Governors Mansion, entertaining state and national leaders. Lou tuned pianos for Brown's Pianos. He was a member of the Inter-Church Dart League for many years. Lou's family would like to thank his many friends, especially Father Mudd and Calvin Stafford, as well as many members of the community of musicians in the Capital area and the Albany and Troy Musicians' Union; also a special thank you to the kind, caring members of St. Peter's Hospice. Lou is survived by his wife of 63 years, Clara Gadomski-Gardner; his son, Donald (Alice) Gardner of Yakima, Wash.; his loving daughters, Ann Marie (Garry) Slyke of Guilderland, Claire (Richard) Vandenbergh of Castleton; his cherished grandchildren, Wesley Slyke, Cyndy Slyke (John Paul) Mastan, John Vandenbergh and Louis Vandenbergh; his special great-grandson, Caden; and his in-laws, cousins and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday from New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155 south of Central Ave.) then to Blessed Sacrament Church, Albany, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Calling hours will be Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Entombment will be St. Agnes Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205.