Gardner was the stepson of the wealthy businessman Norton Clapp and as such the heir to the family fortune. But Heck described Gardner as a “most modest man” who had “the common touch” despite his wealth.

Throughout his political career, Gardner showed particular concern for the needs of the poor. In the late 1980s, Gardner signed into law “Basic Health,” a state-sponsored program that through private health plans would provide low-cost health care for the working poor.

“Here’s a man who could have lived a life of luxury, but he was always completely engaged in what was happening in the world and always put service above self,” said Ronald Erickson, a Washington-native who has served as a senior executive for several Washington-based companies.

A MBA AND A MBWA

Gardner’s political advisors agreed that sociability was one of his greatest attributes, allowing him to connect with his constituents, his political allies, and his political foes alike.

As Hughes wrote in “Booth Who?”, Gardner often said that more valuable than any MBA was his “MBWA,” his philosophy of managing by walking around.

Dia Armenta, who served as Gardner’s political strategist, said that despite having eaten out with the Gardner on dozens of occasions, she could not recall ever walking straight with the Governor from the entrance of a restaurant to their table. The Go

vernor instead would head to kitchen and talk to the staff and waitresses.

Armenta said that years after the Governor’s tenure ended, Gardner would visit the capitol offices and chat with the receptionists and other clerical workers who had served under his administration as well.

“He wanted to know how their families were doing. He remembered their names,” Armenta said.

As Dotzauer said, with a natural friendliness and a good memory for names, Gardner was adept at campaigning. But Dotzauer noted that, ironically, Gardner abhorred the campaign trail.

“When he first ran for governor in 1983, he’d say Ron, ‘I just wish I could apply for this job. I’d be hired,’” Dotzauer said. Laughing, he added, “This is what you’d expect from a Harvard MBA.”

CAMPAIGNING TILL THE END

By the time Gardner left the governorship in 1993, Washington was a leader in the realms of health services and environmental management. Gardner had also been a champion of equality.

In a move that Heck called “ahead of the times,” Gardner had also issued an executive order, banning discrimination against gay and lesbian state workers.