A public memorial service for former Washington State Governor Booth Gardner (pictured) will be held later this month on the campus of the University of Puget Sound. Gardner, who was born in Tacoma on Aug. 21, 1936, served as Pierce County Executive, Washington State Senator, and was the 19th governor of Washington State. He died at his Tacoma home on March 15 at age 76 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Gardner is survived by his son, Doug, daughter, Gail, and eight grandchildren.

“Booth Gardner was one of the great leaders of our state,” said Washington Governor Jay Inslee. “He served us all with the highest standards and with never-ending humanity.”

“It is with a heavy heart that we say good-bye to one of Pierce County’s favorite sons,” added Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy. “We have only had five elected executives in Pierce County, and Booth will always occupy an important place in our history.”

The public memorial service for Gardner will be held on Sat., March 30 at 11 a.m. at the University of Puget Sound, located at 1500 N. Warner, in Tacoma.