A Life's Work

During my Sophomore and Junior year at College, I had the opportunity to stop at my Grandparents house after my early morning shift at UPS before school for a shower, breakfast and the best conversation I would have for that day. It was these conversations that we talked about Family, The Gospel, Politics, and the most beautiful things in life that we see and hear--nature and music. If she was ever gone when I arrived she always left a note that said "Don't Forget!-XOXO". I admire most her ability to seek and notice the best in everyone and everything. Her great attitude and positivity is something that I will never forget. -KJG



Olivia Bae Bishop Gardner














Olivia Bae Bishop Gardner 1926 ~ 2008 Olivia Bae Bishop Gardner passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 19, 2008. She was an uncommon woman, spiritually tuned, intellectually astute, and intensely compassionate. She celebrated life and invariably brought light into the lives of people around her. Bae was born March 10, 1926 to Van Dyne Jones Bishop and Bennett J. Bishop in Hinckley, Utah. The family lived there until 1942, when they moved to Salt Lake City. Bae attended East High School, where she played flute in the orchestras and marching band and excelled academically. She married Kelly Gardner, her handsome pilot sweetheart, just returned from World War II, on December 7, 1945 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they reared their three children, the focus and joy of their lives. Bae began working at the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah in 1968 and served as Associate Director, loving and inspiring students for 23 years. In a labor of love, she later authored the biography of Robert H. Hinckley, friend and founder of the Institute. Bae was a renaissance woman, a voracious reader from childhood, a scholar of the arts, gifted writer and musician, avid ornithologist, political enthusiast and patriot, and loving worrier extraordinaire. A valiant and devoted member of the LDS church, Bae served in many positions, most notably as ward organist for over 25 years. Survived by sister Dorothy (Roy) Fisher, brother Orion (Sue) Bishop; husband M. Kelly Gardner; son Alan (Robyn) Gardner; daughters Dawn (David) Curtis and Anne Gardner; seven grandsons- Benjamin (Michelle) Curtis, Alexander and Samuel Curtis, Kelly Jay (Jenni) Gardner, Bryan, Hayden and Bradley Gardner; and a new great-grand-daughter Ava May Gardner, all of Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be held Saturday February 23, 2008, 1 p.m. at Foothill 7th Ward, 2215 East Roosevelt Ave. (1445 South). There will be a viewing from 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. preceding the funeral services. Online guestbook at www.russonmortuary.com "Don't forget who loves you!" In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bae B. Gardner Internship in Public Policy at the Hinckley Institute of Politics.
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune from 2/21/2008 - 2/22/2008.

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Bae B. Gardner

(1926-2008)

The former, present, and future interns, staff, faculty, and family of the Hinckley Institute of Politics mourn the passing of former Hinckley Institute Assistant Director, Bae B. Gardner. I first walked in the door of the Hinckley Institute in the fall of 1988. It immediately felt like a second home and the main reason was Bae. I am proudly one of "Bae's kids." Unless you share that distinction, it is impossible to fully convey the loss we feel today with Bae's passing. Bae was not just an administrator to her "kids." She was a mother, friend, cheerleader, mentor, and confidant. Indeed, she supported and sustained me from that first day as an inquiring student through the present as the Hinckley Institute's director. Bae had the unique talent of making students feel that they had unlimited potential and the tireless ability to provide them with life-changing opportunities. The Hinckley Institute and I will forever be grateful for the legacy she established and the love she exhibited during her incredible years of service at the Hinckley Institute.

Kirk L. Jowers
Director, Hinckley Institute of Politics

Viewing and Funeral Service

Saturday, February 23rd

Viewing: 11:00 am. Service: 1:00 pm.

Foothill LDS 7^th Ward Chapel

2215 E. Roosevelt Avenue

Salt Lake City, Utah 84108

In lieu of flowers, the Gardner family has suggested that donations may be made to the Bae B. Gardner Internship in Public Policy scholarship fund administered by the Hinckley Institute of Politics. Donations can be made online or by calling the University of Utah Development Office at 801.581.6825. Donations can also be mailed to the Hinckley Institute at 260 S. Central Campus Dr. Rm. 253. Salt Lake City, UT 84112. For more information call the Hinckley Institute of Politics at 801.581.8501.