Thomas Alma Gardiner

Thomas “Tom” Alma Gardiner was born to Boyd Little Gardiner and Lola Alice Stanger on September 19, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He returned to his Heavenly Father on the morning of November 1, 2025. He attended Skyline High School and Weber State College in Ogden, Utah. In June 1972, he married Shannon M. Hurley, and they had two children before divorcing in 1983.
He is survived by his daughter, Christina M.. Mitchell (Tony) of Riverton, Utah; his son, T. Alexander “Alex” of Mountain View, Wyoming; his siblings Valerie G. Shekarforoosh (Vahed) of South Ogden, Boyd C. of San Diego, California, David E. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Kevin J., and Jeffrey A. of Salt Lake City. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Alisha, Corbin (Sarah), Gabe, Porter, Béla, and Ellie. His third wife, Peggy Pelosi of Ontario, Canada, and stepdaughter Shelby Woods, daughter of his second wife Laura Meade, who preceded him in death.

“T” or “T-bone” was the name many knew him by. T was a career musician. He began playing electric bass in his youth, using an old guitar he converted into a bass himself. He was a passionate musician dedicated to mastering his instrument. He continuously worked to expand his knowledge of music style and theory. His career experiences were diverse, having toured, recorded, and performed with many well-known artists as well as numerous talented musicians whose names may not be as familiar. He was an incredible songwriter and poet who meticulously selected his words and phrases. As his playing opportunities slowed down in the later years of his career he honed his skills as a sound engineer and mentored up-and-coming musicians who have had national exposure. After retiring, he moved to Kemmerer, Wyoming, in 2020, where he spent his days tinkering in his studio, fishing, exploring the landscape, and sharing stories with new friends.

When not engaged in his music he enjoyed other passions including fishing and spending time with family, especially in the mountains. His greatest joy was creating memories with his grandchildren. They will carry with them their memories of him jamming with them during their early experiments with their new instruments, enjoying musical storytimes, sharing impromptu recording sessions, and inspiring their imaginations with his fantastical stories. He loved teaching them about nature, wildlife, and survival skills. He relished celebrating birthdays and events at his favorite music venues. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than sharing his life, experiences, and talents with the younger generation.

A memorial service for close friends and family will be held on Saturday, November 15, at 5 o’clock, followed by a dinner for the family. The service will be at:

Church of the Latter-day Saints church building,
12852 South 3200 West, Riverton, Utah 84065.

A special Celebration of Life to honor his memory and celebrate the musical world he cherished, will be hosted this spring, his favorite time of year. This gathering will be a tribute to his love of music and those who shared it with him. Details about the date, time, and location will be announced once arrangements are finalized. We invite you to join us for stories, laughter, and music to commemorate his remarkable life.