Eric Hansen Gardner

Kill Devil Hills- Eric Hansen Gardner 47, died in Norfolk, VA January 19, 2013 due to complications from a stroke. Eric was born March 21, 1965 in Washington, DC to David and Caren Gardner. Eric graduated from UNC Wilmington. He was married to his best friend and wife, Tina Gardner .

Eric will be remembered for his love of surfing and the ocean, his friends, and his family, wife and children. He lived every day of his life to the fullest and on his own terms. Many people will recollect the smile and good words he shared every morning at the Southern Bean Coffee House of Kitty Hawk . Eric was known for establishing this business, the first coffee house on the beach. His love was an inspiration to many; it was shown everyday in his many friendships. He will be forever remembered as an icon of the beach and our community and for giving the gift of life as an organ donor.

Surviving Eric is his wife Tina of Kill Devil Hills; his parents Caren and David Gardner of Crystal Lake, Il; two sisters Andrea Feller (Richard) of Eau Claire, Wis., and Dana Gregory (Steve) of Alexis, Il ; one brother, John Gardner (Colleen) of Crystal Lake, Il.; two sons Cole Gardner, and Wynn Gardner; and one daughter Emerson Gardner all of Nags Head, NC; one stepson, Elijah Melanson of Kill Devil Hills and numerous extended family members, friends, and loyal customers.

A memorial service will be held at Kitty Hawk Pier, Thursday January 24, 2013 at 11 am. Memorial contributions in Eric’s name may be forwarded to Surfing for Autism at PO Box 1184 Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 or to online to www.surfingforautism.org.

Condolences to the family may be expressed via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.