The physical test equipment industry has lost a true legend. Paul N. Gardner Jr., former president and chairman of the board of the Paul N. Gardner Company (GARDCO), passed away on February 8, 2024, at the age of 81. His legacy is one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Throughout his more than 40 years of active involvement with GARDCO, starting in 1981, Paul Gardner Jr. played a pivotal role in the company’s success. Rising to the position of president and chairman of the board in 1995, he led with vision and integrity.
Paul Gardner Jr.’s influence extended beyond his company to the broader industry. As an active member of ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) for over 37 years, he contributed significantly to the advancement of standards in the field of paint and related coatings. His family’s involvement with ASTM dated back over a century, with a lineage of influence tracing back to his grandfather Henry A. Gardner Sr.’s participation in 1908.