Gardener passed away on 17 April, Easter Sunday. He was 72.
For the past 12 years Gardener had worked as a consultant for Kent-based 2SB Management Systems, which helps and advises companies on ISO and environmental programmes and certifications.
Gardener’s printing industry career had spanned more than half a century. He started off as an estimator at Battley Brothers in Clapham, London.
In the 1970s he then moved to Alabaster Passmore in Maidstone where he worked in various roles including night manager, before the company tapped into his considerable expertise and used his know-how to help optimise commercial performance.
After Passmore closed in 1994 he worked at a number of big names in the industry at the time, including Nuffield Web in Basildon, Spottiswoode Ballantyne in Colchester and Hendy Banks in the City of London.
He then moved to Alden Press in Oxford.
Gardener worked for 2SB part-time consulting on specific FSC and PEFC projects, to which he brought his considerable expertise in wood fibre.
2SB said: “During this time he established a strong reputation for his thoughtful, constructive and professional approach and he was still working remotely with clients up until his death.”
The company also shared a tribute from a recent customer, who said: “I very much enjoyed working with Eric who was a wonderful character and his support was very much appreciated.”
2SB principal and director Chris Passmore commented: “Eric was a real pleasure to work with. He had a lot of adventures in his life and was a pretty fearless guy – he was always up for a challenge, but in quite a modest way.
“He wasn’t put off by difficult people or awkward situations. Senior management always respected what he said, even if they didn’t always like what he said!”
Gardener is survived by his wife, two daughters and a grand-daughter.
His funeral will be held at 11am on Thursday 19 May, at the Medway Crematorium in Chatham ME5 9QU.
Anyone wishing to share a message with Gardener’s family are welcome to do so via email at info@2sb.co.uk.
