Kyle J. Gardner

Kyle J. Gardner, 49, of DeKalb Jct died peacefully on December 15, 2025 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Kyle was born May 1,1976. He grew up on the Risley Road just outside of DeKalb Junction, NY in a house built by his grandfather. Kyle attended Hermon-DeKalb Central School, where he made life-long connections and excelled in athletics. He was awarded Male Athlete of the Year when he graduated HDCS in 1994 as a standout in soccer, basketball, and baseball. During his senior year, he was also named League MVP in soccer. But Kyle’s most memorable athletic feat came on the hardwood of Maxcy Hall, when he sank a three-pointer at the buzzer to tie the game in the Section X Finals in 1994 to cap an improbable comeback that is still remembered and talked about among North Country hoops fans to this day.

After graduating high-school, Kyle attended St. Lawrence University where he majored in Environmental Economics. Though SLU was just down the road from Kyle’s home on the Risley Road, it opened up a whole new world to him as he made deep connections with new friends from around the world, eventually studying abroad in Kenya. Kyle also continued his athletic career as a member of the SLU men’s basketball team his freshman year, as well as through participation in a variety of intramural sports.

After graduating from college, Kyle moved out west to Breckenridge, Colorado with some good friends. Here he made a new home as he learned the trades, eventually becoming a skilled carpenter. He also discovered new passions in hiking, snowboarding, and skiing in the majestic Rocky Mountains. Kyle’s free spirit came alive and thrived as he explored the west. He also explored the greater world throughout his 20’s and 30’s, with his travels taking him to destinations including Baja, Mexico, Hawaii, the Netherlands and Thailand.

Eventually, Kyle moved further west, living in Southern California for a time before heading north to Portland, Oregon. In the Pacific Northwest, Kyle continued to expand his skills and interests, fishing, crabbing, and clamming on the beautiful rivers and bays, and exploring the rugged coast of Oregon. A passionate lover of music his whole life, Kyle learned to play mandolin in his 40’s and took great pleasure in jammin’ with friends in Portland.

Kyle eventually moved back home to the North Country to be with his family and help care for his father, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Here he spent quality time with his family and continued his work as a carpenter. He also continued to indulge his love of music by travelling to concerts and music festivals whenever he could.

Kyle will be remembered for his sense of humor and sharp wit, for his free spirit and sense of adventure, for his love of music and sports and the outdoors.

He was a loyal friend to many, a fierce competitor and a great teammate, a devoted father to his beloved dogs, a proud uncle to his nieces and nephews, a faithful brother, and a loving and beloved son.

Of all the teams Kyle was a part of, the most important and beautiful one turned out to be the team he formed with his mother as they worked together to battle cancer in the last year of his life.

Kyle was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Eli (Barb) and Shirley Sochia; his paternal grandparents Goodwin (Muriel) and Bettie Gardner; and his dear brother Ian whom he shared an incredibly close bond with growing up.

He is survived by his parents David and Sheila Gardner; siblings Zoe (David) Schryver, Zachary (Lacey) Gardner, and Zane Gardner; nieces Allison, Aida, Evelyn, and Isabel; nephews Gavin, Andrew, Gage, and Goodwin; and his ever-loyal dog Nova. He also leaves behind many friends, the closest of which were truly like family to him. We would like to extend our deep appreciation for the consistent love and support Kyle received over the years from the Bardeschewski family.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no services at this time. A celebration of life will be planned for spring/summer on the West Coast. In lieu of financial or floral contributions, we hope that you will buy some concert tickets or make some music of your own, listen to a favorite song and then share it with someone you love, read a book (bonus points for Kurt Vonnegut), immerse yourself in nature (bonus points for mountains and/or a body of water), or hug a dog (bonus points for long-haired German Shepherds).