Richland Washington – Nicholas Gardner of Richland, WA died unexpectedly in a motorcycle accident early Thanksgiving morning at the age of 27. Nick was born in Jackson Hole, WY to Julie Grubich and Tim Gardner. He moved to Richland as a young child and eventually attended Richland High School and Tri-Tech. At the time of his death, he was employed by the Kensington Gold Mine in Alaska as a mechanic and a welder. He was very proud to have recently completed his ETT certification in Alaska, which allowed him to practice as an emergency medical technician in rural areas. An outdoorsman by heart, Nick loved adventure. Be it snowmobiling, snowboarding, or riding his dirt bike, he was happiest in the mountains. When home, he enjoyed rebuilding old cars with his dad and practicing his art of welding. He had a quiet, calm demeanor and a smile that would light up the room. There were many things he loved in life, including friends, family, and his sweet dog, Pearl. He will be greatly missed by many, but especially by his fishing/hunting buddies and long-time friends - Simon, Chance, Mitch, Shawn, Lindsey, and his girlfriend Kayla and her daughter Kambrie. While he didn’t have children of his own, he loved his time spent with Kambrie. Whether teaching her to fish or bringing her along to run errands, he treated her like his own. Nick leaves behind his mother Julie (Nick Grubich), father Tim Gardner and partner Linda Ellis, step-siblings Samantha (Dean), Sarah (Ryan), Michael, and Nicholas, and a great many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was surely met in heaven by his grandparents Ray, Marie, Mary Jo, and Vern. While our hearts are broken and we know we can never completely move on after his death, we will endeavor to move forward and carry his spirit with us every step of the way. Rest in peace, our dear son. You are so loved. Please join us for a celebration of Nick’s life on Sunday, December 5th, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the West Richland Clubhouse and Restaurant: 4000 Fallon Drive, West Richland, WA 99353.