Malachy Jason Gardner was born January 9th, 2003, and died May 13th 2024 at just 21 years old. Even as a child, Malachy lived life his own way and could never see how rules applied to him. Everything about Malachy was outside of the norm and just like he didn't fit within the confines dictated by society, neither will this obituary. Below is a collection of thoughts by people who knew and loved him. We hope it gives a glimpse into the magnificence that we will all be missing for the rest of our lives, in his absence.

Amazing soul. Son. He kept the flames in our camps and now he keeps them in our hearts. His smile lit up the room. Brave. Talented digeridoo player. Sweet kid. He shared his space with you. Free spirit. Wild. He is everything. Old Soul. Big heart. He LIVED life. Wood whittler. Loving. Motorcyclist. Deeply free. He showed up when people needed him. Son of the Land. Stubborn. A dragonfly. Great smile. Fire Keeper. Sweet as a child. Family. Carefree. Loyal friend. Big Brother. Gentle spirit. Malachy would sit with you in your darkness. A brilliant light. Wonderful person. Protective. Genuine. A shoulder to cry on. Determined. Infectious laughter. He would tell you the hard truths. Caring. Bianca (if you know you know). Kind. The Best. Dances With Bugs. Friend. Unbridled youth. Down to hang out with his parents and their 40-year-old friends. Nature's wild son. Being around him gave you the freedom to be yourself. Grandson. Always out for fun. Energetic. Loved soccer. Free bird. Loved beyond measure. Special and unique. Always himself. Nephew. Fisherman. His spirit was bigger than life itself. Adventurer. Cousin. Passionate. Marched to the beat of his own drum. Smoking buddy. Shared his facts and knowledge. Sweet natured. Chill. Bright and shining. Boyfriend. A joy to talk to. Mischievous. Animal whisperer. Selfless. Our tribe. He knew everything about bugs. Intelligent. From his first breath to his last, he was hell on wheels.

"I came fresh into this world to the beat of drums in the forest.

I cut my teeth, painless on the sounds of laughter unchecked and spoke my first words in a rush, feeling them well up inside until I had no choice but to sing, sing, sing, sing with firelight in my eyes.

I'm from here, I was birthed in a puddle of moonlight dripping through the pines and when this earth reclaims me, here I shall remain."

Malachy lives on in us ALL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at North Fork Campground, Old Bowery Group site, on Tuesday 5/28/2024. This will be casual and loosely structured.

• Open House – 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Memories – 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Food – 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• General merriment and bonfire - 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Feel free to bring drums, flutes, musical instruments, etc.

Remain respectful of other campers.

• Camping is available for up to 50 people. Bring everything you may need to take care of yourself if you decide to camp.

Wednesday 5/29/2024

• Motorcycle escort from North Fork to the Gardner home – 10:00 AM

North Fork Park Address:

1980 Fork Park Rd.

Eden, UT 84310