NEW ORLEANS – Mayor Mitch Landrieu issued the following statement on the passing of Ron Gardner, a New Orleans native and vice-chancellor at LSU Health Sciences Center:
“The heart of New Orleans is heavy today with the passing of Ron Gardner. Ron dedicated his life to his country and his community. He fully embodied the term public servant and inspired us all to be better citizens. I was incredibly fortunate to know and work with Ron for many years. As a loving husband and father and mentor to countless young people, his passing has created a void in the hearts of many. He will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends and his beloved city of New Orleans.
“Ron’s service stretched from the White House to City Hall, from a solider in the U.S. Army to vice-chancellor at LSU Health Sciences Center. As a public health advocate, Ron helped make substantive, long-lasting changes that have made our city better and healthier, particularly on the issue of drug abuse. He was also an integral member of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Board of Directors and helped make New Orleans a top sports entertainment destination in America.
“Born and educated in New Orleans, his long list of accolades – including his service as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Downtown Development District (DDD) – demonstrated Ron’s love for and commitment to our great city and the respect he earned by his peers. With Ron’s passing, let us all be inspired by his legacy of service to others.
Arnie Fielkow, a previous New Orleans City Councilmember and current President & CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, said in an email, “I was so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. What a wonderful person and community contributor! Whether it was LSU matters, veteran's affairs or sports, Ron was always a true gentleman to work with. He will be missed by so many! Please extend my heartfelt condolences to Ron's family and all his friends.”
