[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 79 (Wednesday, June 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1068]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1068]]
                    HONORING THE LATE JOHN GARDINER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 21, 2000

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, it isn't often that the world is 
graced with individuals who change the lives of others around them.
  However, Mr. John Gardiner's compassion for the sport of tennis 
transcended the tennis community and touched the lives of others around 
him. Gardiner's love for the sport propelled him to build a first-of-
its kind tennis ranch in Carmel Valley. This love and devotion for the 
sport will forever keep Jack Gardiner's memory alive for all.
  John Gardiner's love first developed as a child in Philadelphia, 
where he would often play at the municipal tennis courts. His love was 
further developed once he moved to Monterey Peninsula. As a teacher and 
football coach at Monterey High, he led the Toreadores to victory in 
1948 in an undefeated season in 27 years. Former student, Dan Albert 
recalls, ``Something special happened with that team and John Gardiner 
was the cause of that something special with that group of young men.'' 
Later, Gardiner's tennis resort would become most noted for offering 
clinics for adults and a tennis camp for children.
  I too have witnessed the, ``something special'' that Dan Albert spoke 
of. My first job was as a lifeguard at John Gardiner's Tennis Ranch 
with a pay of 59 cents an hour. Mr. Gardiner would often joke with me 
and reply with, ``It's the last honest job you've had.'' Without a 
doubt, John Gardiner has touched lives and made a difference in mine. 
In addition to his efforts with youth, Gardiner also exercised an equal 
compassion with his philanthropic nature. Gardiner established an 
annual Senators Cup Tournament, where 52 U.S. senators played tennis to 
raise money for charity. Through the course of 20 years, the tournament 
raised $4 million that was used to build a hospice in Scottsdale, 
Arizona, which was named in memory of Barbara Gardiner who died of 
cancer.
  Mr. Speaker, although Mr. John Gardiner may be gone, his spirit will 
live on with the love of tennis that he inspired in others as well. Mr. 
Gardiner is survived by his wife of 20 years, Monique Gardiner: two 
sons, John C. Gardiner, Jr and Thomas Gardiner; his two daughters, 
Tricia McKnight and Tenise Kyger; and eight grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, 
I ask you and the other distinguished members to acknowledge the impact 
that Mr. John Gardiner has left on this world.

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