Lee Harrison Gardner, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on July 10, 2021, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on November 18, 1950 to the late Polly Isabel (Harrison) and Stephen Vandergrift Gardner.

Wife Candy (Smith) has been the love of his life for over 45 years.

Their family includes son Hunter Gardner, wife Maggie, and their children Hazel and Harrison of Traverse City; daughter Hilary Gessner, husband John, and their children Huxley and Declan of Traverse City; and son Hayden Gardner, wife Skye, and their child Olee of Steamboat Springs.

Lee's professional career focused on the business of professional golf and motorsports events, including the world's largest motorsport event, along with leadership roles in privately held entrepreneurial business enterprises.

Lee is a founding member of the Northern Michigan Angels, and held positions on Old Mission Peninsula Education Foundation Board, Peninsula Township Parks Commission and Leelanau Conservancy Board.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Leelanau Conservancy or Northern Michigan College Water Studies.