Donald K. Gardiner, CAE, Retired CEO of PIA National Dies

May 19, 2003

A bulletin from the Professional Insurance Agents noted the untimely death of Donald K. Gardiner, 63, retired chief executive officer of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents and former executive director of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State, New Jersey and Connecticut Inc., from a heart attack on May 14 at the Cleveland Clinic, Naples, Fla.

“In 1984 the significance of his accomplishments was recognized on a national level when Gardiner was appointed executive vice president and CEO of the 40,000-strong National Association of Professional Insurance Agents,” said the announcement. He was elected to the board of directors of the American Society of Association Executives in 1991, and in 1994 he ascended to the office of vice chair of ASAE.

“Gardiner began his career as an enlisted man in the U.S. Army,” the bulletin continued. “Following his honorable discharge he acquired his bachelors of Science in business administration and economics from Russell Sage College, Troy, N.Y. A strong believer in continuing education, he received and maintained his Certified Association Executive designation since 1976.

“His adult and professional lives were spent in Albany, N.Y. and Alexandria, Va. Retiring in Naples, Fla., he is survived by his wife, Diane; brother Ron of New Port Richey, Fla.; two daughters, Wendy Biggerstaff of Iron River, Wis. and Pamela Wood of Centreville, Va.; two sons, Chris Gardiner of Clifton Park, N.Y. and Jeff Gardiner of Arlington, Va.; seven grand children; and friends worldwide. Gardiner’s professional accomplishments were only exceeded by the esteem in which he was held by his family and friends.”

Funeral arrangements have been made at Demaine Funeral Home, located at 520 S. Washington St., Alexandria, Va., (703) 549-0074. Visitation will be Monday, May 19 from 5-7 p.m., followed by memorial service and burial on Tuesday, May 20 at Ivy Hill cemetery.

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