Robert Quinn Gardner

Robert Quinn Gardner passed away Saturday, August 28, 2021, at his home in Bountiful, Utah following several strokes. He was 80 years old.

Quinn was born June 15, 1941, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Ralph “Rollie” Gardner and Grace Robinson. After excelling in academics, debate, ice hockey, and drama in high school, he attended Brigham Young University from 1959-1960 when he was called as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He faithfully served for 30 months in the Uruguay Mission. He returned to BYU in 1963 where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a master’s degree in English Literature and taught religion classes. Quinn married Donna Jeanne Hilton, daughter of Lyle Hilton and Sally “Electa” Palmer, on June 1, 1964. After frequent relocations during his early career, he and Donna made Bountiful their home from 1976-1995. Together they reared seven daughters and one son.

Quinn worked in the marketing departments of Proctor & Gamble and Frito-Lay before being asked to serve as the managing director of Welfare Services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following his labors in the Church Welfare Department and as the president of UI Group, a Church-owned company, he started his own consulting firm, eventually known as Client Synergy. He enjoyed a successful career consulting for electric utilities such as Southern California Edison, Southern Company, and Union Gas of Ontario, Canada. He later partnered with a local consulting firm, Petrous LLC, working with clients such as KPMG and Maverik.

A faithful member of the Church, Quinn served as a high councilor in several stakes, stake Young Men president, bishopric counselor, bishop, and gospel doctrine teacher. In July 1995, he began serving as president of the Argentina Bahía Blanca Mission with his companion of 31 years by his side, until she was diagnosed with cancer. While still set apart as a full-time missionary, his beloved Donna passed away November 13, 1995.

In 1997, Quinn married Julie Brown of Idaho Falls, Idaho. He adopted her six children and devoted his energies to loving, teaching, and providing for his large family. In 2000, 40 years after serving as a young missionary, Quinn returned to Uruguay and presided over the Uruguay Montevideo Mission alongside Julie. After completing his assignment as a mission president, Quinn served for 16 years as a sealer in the Bountiful Temple. His most treasured work was serving his family and the God he loved.
Quinn is preceded in death by his parents, Rollie Gardner and Grace Robinson, formerly of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and his first wife, Donna Jeanne Hilton. He is survived by Julie Brown Gardner, his wife of 24 years; his children, Michelle (Milan) Detweiler, Gail (Kevin) Sears, Elizabeth (Joshua) Randall, Deborah Gardner, Allison (Jason) Robinson, Jeffrey (Jill Guest) Gardner, Aimee Gardner, Jennifer (Joshua) Savage, Amy (James) Larsen, Abby (Wade) Fife, Christine (Jared) Idiart, Adrianne (Scott) Malan, Taylor Gardner, and Alexis (Paul) Mattox; 50 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Miller (Tammy) Gardner, Ervin (Sue) Gardner, Sherman (Marci) Gardner, Richard (Sandy) Gardner, and Kimball (Cindy) Gardner; and sisters, Leslie Anne (Bob) Webb and Rosalie (Joe) Folda.
He is beloved by his family and honored by all who knew him.

A viewing will be held at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Thursday, September 2, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. A viewing for out-of-town friends and relatives will be held Friday, September 3, 2021, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Bountiful Utah Central Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 640 South 750 East, Bountiful. Funeral services will be Friday, September 3, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bountiful Utah Central Stake Center. Graveside services will be held at Memorial Estates, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (give.ChurchofJesusChrist.org/missionaryfund).

Services will be streamed live on Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and Quinn’s obituary page at www.russonmortuary.com.