Frank “Al” Gardner passed on May 27, 2022 at the age of 84. Al was born in Wyandotte, Michigan and spent much of his life in and around Chicago before moving to Seattle to be close to family in 2009.

Al had a tender, generous heart and a great sense of humor. He liked to look good and had a particular penchant for bold-patterned silk shirts. He enjoyed all kinds of music, but Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” reminds us of him the most. Al was a good friend and a dedicated businessman, driven to do the one thing he felt he did best—provide for his family—well into his late 70s.

Al’s true love was a tiny apricot-colored toy poodle named Nutmeg, who now more or less enjoys a new life of being pampered by his six-year-old granddaughter. Al is survived by his daughters, Christa and Lindsay, and their daughters, Emery and Verity.

In lieu of formal services, the family will have a small party featuring Chicago pizza. And Neil Diamond, naturally.