Book of Memories for Ernest Bernhard Gardow, PhD, P.E.

Story shared: UHa Student

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:36:50 EDT

I was a transfer student at the University of Hartford between 1984 and 1986 and Professor Gardow was a very helpful figure to me, and to us. He was a firm, no nonsense teacher but fair and I will miss him. He is responsible for much of what is good of, in and about me and many of us mechanical engineering students at UHa.

Story shared: Memories of Ernie

Sun, 12 Aug 2012 08:49:10 EDT

I met Peter around 35 years ago and began a life long friendship with the Gardow Family · I had fun with Peter in Boy Scouts and Band · Attended a high school math class with Polly and met Bill Rice at University of Hartford · Peter and I helped Eva move from Nashua to Stonington · We visited Kathryn & Dave in Framingham and Seattle Over the years I grew to know their Dad, Ernie, and have always been impressed with his incredible intellect, dry sense of humor and engineering prowess. First his sense of humor… on one occasion many years ago I drove Peter back to his house and there was Ernie standing next to the driveway of 8 Whitcomb Drive waiting for Peter. I vividly remember what Ernie said since it has made me laugh several times over the years. He pointed underneath Peter’s yellow Datsun and said “Peter, another important looking metal part has fallen off your car.” Ernie’s depth of knowledge and intellect were evident when I joined the Gardows a few times to play Trivial Pursuit in the 1980s. Ernie landed on Geography and pulled a card: “What Pacific trench is the world’s deepest, at 36,198 feet?” Ernie not only named the Marianas Trench, but also listed its latitude and longitude. Ernie’s engineering background and knowledge were evident to everyone who knew him. I never had the opportunity to take a class that Ernie taught, but I saw many examples of his Mechanical Engineering aptitude over the years. At Peter’s 40th Birthday Party I told the story of the time when Don Eaton and Paul Dlubac set all of the clocks in the Gardow’s house an extra hour back during a summer house party, as if it was double daylight time. One obstacle they faced in doing that was Ernie’s home brew thermostat. On top of the furnace in the basement Ernie had hooked up two analog clocks one to start and one to stop the furnace on a preprogrammed schedule. Ernie built the precursor to the digital thermostat using his own analog technology. I followed in Ernie’s footsteps in attending Union College and studying Engineering. Last Spring Ernie and Marge attended Ernie’s 55th ReUnion while my wife Laura, son Eric and I attended my 25th ReUnion. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Ernie, Marge, Peter, Cheryl and Julia this past June 9th. I brought my high school trombone over to Avon and Peter played it in Ernie’s room at River Ridge. We looked at old photos of the Gardow family and recent photos of Julia and Eric at StoryLand. My family and I were in Hawai’i when Peter called with the news of Ernie’s passing. I answered the phone with an upbeat “Aloha” and immediately realized when Peter did not say anything what had happened. Today Aloha is a greeting and can be used to say Hello or Goodbye. In the Ancient Hawaiian language Aloha meant affection, peace, compassion and mercy. Aloha Ernie

Condolence From Cathy Buller

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 16:59:38 EDT

On behalf of Kathryn & Dave’s Seattle friends, we send condolences to you all & appreciations for Ernie & Marge’s visits to Seattle… accordions in tow, at times! We’ve often enjoyed tales of your family’s multi-generation gatherings and travels. And we see clearly the ripple effects of motivation, intellect, compassion, talent, fun and humor that Ernie and other family elders have shared with later generations. Our hearts are with you, on the Aug 18 birthday Ernie & I shared – and always.

Story shared: Wonderful sense of humor

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 09:11:47 EDT

I havent seen Ernie since our years at Amherst Central High School in Amherst, NY however I have carried memories of his wonderful sense of humor all these years. That, combined with an amazing intellect, foretold his future potential. Ernie has left a large void in this world with his departure.

Condolence From Greg Frauenhofer

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 03:22:46 EDT

I had the privilege of talking to Ernie months before he passed. His kind words about my job situation will never be forgotten. I truly miss his directness and clear thinking. And most of all his genuine care for family. I know that you're in a better place now free of suffering and limitations. See you on the other side. Love Greg (Ernie's nephew) I'm so lucky to have met Ernie at Elly and Andy's Tahoe cabin. When I think of him I immediately think of the picture Polly sent of him playing the tuba with a big smile on his face. I know he was a great brother and a wonderful Uncle. Love, Trisha Thank you Uncle Ernie for the gifts over the last few years, Justin and Deven.

Condolence From Greg Frauenhofer

Sun, 08 Jul 2012 03:22:28 EDT

Condolence From Elly Frauenhofer

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 17:05:11 EDT

Two days after Ernie's death, my brother spoke to me. While I was playing golf, I hit my ball close to a green and another golfer from the adjacent fairway approached my ball. He picked it up to identify it, placed it back and proceeded to hit my ball. As soon as I reached him, I told him "I think you hit my ball". He said no, I'm playing a Bridgestone ball marked with the initial E. My ball also was a Bridgestone with the initial E. I said "my name is Elly" he said "my name is Ernie". Andy and I send our sincere condolences and love to all. I'll truly miss him. Your sister, Elly

Condolence From Phil, Donna, Ashley, and Sarah Quinn

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 16:52:32 EDT

Dear Gardow family, Please know that our thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you at this very difficult time. It was a privilege to know Ernie and in turn, to have met all of you through him has been a blessing and a lasting gift. We hope to see as many of you in person as time and distance permit in the future, so that we can be with you and remember this remarkable man. Much love, the Quinns of Cambria, NY

Condolence From Anthony T. Rauche

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 13:16:11 EDT

I send my sincere sympathy at Ernie's passing. He was a strong and dedicated colleague at the University, and I remember him having a great pride in his teaching and mentoring students. I was particularly happy to learn of his love of music and performing that certainly nurtured his soul.

Condolence From Muriel L. Quintin

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:42:10 EDT

Dear Marge: I was very sorry to learn of Ernie's passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I hold some warm memories of Ernie when we were colleagues at the University of Hartford, especially in our shared concerns for the international student population in the College of Engineering. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Muriel

Story shared: International Ladies

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:34:56 EDT

Warene and Neal have experiences and meetings together through the Univ. of Hartford, and the International Ladies Circle started by Marge and joined by warene in the early years. We have many memories of this welcoming organization for wives of foreign students and later of settled families who shared good times together in meetings and on occasion in our home. Marge and Ernie are part of our life memories in CT especially associated with the circle and the Univ. of Hartford. The Bavarian flavor of the accordion was always welcome. Ernie gave many cultural, intellectual, and academic enrichment to our community. We also had good times at the parties. Thanks for the memories. It has been a better place because of you. Peace, Warene and Neal Testerman

Photo shared: Gardow.jpg

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 09:59:53 EDT

Condolence From Jenny Ernst Frauenhofer

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 21:40:09 EDT

Many fond memories... Ernie and Marge traveling along to India... the orange VW van that successfully brought out my cousins to California... Ernie and Marge's accordion music at Dave's and my wedding... and a very touching phone call I received one day shortly after a minor earthquake in northern CA from Uncle Ernie, wondering if I was okay. I'm sorry we can't be there to hug everyone. Please know we are thinking about Ernie and all his loved ones out here on the west coast. Much love and great sympathy, Jenny, Dave, Liam, and Rory

Photo shared: Scan 2_2.jpeg

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 20:31:37 EDT

Embracing Music and Family

Photo shared: Scan 16.jpeg

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 20:30:34 EDT

Gardow Family

Photo shared: Scan 50_2.jpeg

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 20:28:58 EDT

Uncle Ernie

Condolence From Mary Lou and Paul Quinn

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:46:52 EDT

It is, with a heavy heart, we wish Ernie, "Safe voyage!", as he begins his greatest trip. He will continue to have an important presence in our lives. Ernie's love of family, wealth of knowledge, excitement in the workings of life and his wonderful laugh will, forever, be a part of our personal memories. May your family find great strength and peace as you gather. God Bless you all. All our Love, Mary Lou, Paul and family

Condolence From Barry, Elaine and Becky Lubin

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:15:01 EDT

Marge, Kathryn, Eva, Polly, Peter and families-Our deepest sympathies are with you. We have many warm and happy memories of the times that our families spent together over the years. They help to lessen our sadness at learning about the loss of Ernie.

Story shared: Professor & ASME

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 10:19:31 EDT

I had Ernie as a professor for a summer Thermodynamics course at the Univ of Hartford in 1981. I was taking the course to lessen my load in the fall at Villanova. Ernie was the perfect teacher for a summer course and my A- helped me greatly in ultimately obtaining my BME from Villanova. After graduation, I became involved in the local ASME section activities and Ernie was among those who were both encouraging and welcoming. I eventually attained a national ASME position. I have been a colleague of Ernie

Condolence From The Andrew Gilbert Family

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 23:13:29 EDT

We send our prayers to all of you during this difficult time; a blessing of peace, a hurting heart and memories to last a lifetime. Peace and blessings to all from Andy, Aimee, Stephen and Albert

Condolence From Neil & Ann Quinn

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 22:38:43 EDT

Please know that we are thinking of you with the passing of Ernie. We hope that you all bring each other comfort with his loss and bring forth the best with the memory of his life.

Condolence From Ted Simon

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 20:35:48 EDT

Dear Marge: Please accept my sincere condolences. I was stunned to read that Ernie had passed away this past Saturday. He will surely be remembered as a good friend.

Condolence From Ralph H. Tulis, P.E.

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 14:30:22 EDT

I had Professor Gardow for the one course that C.E. majors generally hated - Thermodynamics. Thankfully it was an evening summer course so it was over quickly. Thanks to professor Gardow I was able to pass the course. We crossed paths many times since my 1992 graduation at the annual MathCounts competition held at UofH. While I'm sure I was a rather unremarkable student, he always showed me an expression of recognition. My sincere condolences to you all. He will be remembered by all who knew him and by all who were lucky enough to have him as a teacher.

Condolence From Jim Buckley

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 10:54:13 EDT

I'm so sorry for your loss. Dr. Gardow was a great teacher, one that really cared for his students. I arrived at UofH in 1968, having my Assc Degree from Wentworth in Boston. I graduated in 1975 (night student), with a lot of help from Dr. Gardow. He got me into Pi Tau Sigma, encouraged me to join ASME, and also to become a PE. He was one of the Professors I have always remembered foundly. He was a great man, and a real influence on my life.

Condolence From Roland and Connie

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:35:56 EDT

Dearest Friends, so sorry for your sad loss. To have known Ernie was to know the world as he saw it through his own eyes. He was a unique individual whose smile told everything about him. He was a kind hearted and giving person we shall always remember. We hope your special memories of happy days gone by can help you through this difficult time. Love, Connie and Roland

Condolence From Bill Rice

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:01:58 EDT

Dear Marge, Kathryn, Eva, Polly, and Pete, I'm only now really starting to feel the sense of emptiness that has been created by Ernie's passing. Since we lived so close to each other, he was present at so many of our family events, dance recitals, baseball games, band concerts, school plays, and the list goes on. I learned from him starting with the first engineering class with him to the day he passed away. I am blessed to have had him in my life. He was a wonderful person and a great Opa.