Their stories were engaging, moving, sad, and downright lovely.

   One woman who graduated from Pinewood years ago tearfully recalled how Mark Gardner listened to and encouraged her during a difficult time in her life. Another said that if it hadn’t been for Gardner’s prodding, he wouldn’t have gone to college and later become a physician. A third talked about the confidence that Gardner instilled in his players on the basketball court, and how Gardner often willed his team to win with what seemed like sheer determination.

   “My experience at Pinewood was wonderful for so many different reasons, and Mr. Gardner was part of that,” one said through broken words and tears.

   “He gathered us and made us believe,” said another.

   “He made me a better man,” said a third.

   Pinewood held a memorial gathering on Oct. 25, 2025 in honor of Gardner, who worked at Pinewood Upper Campus as a principal, history teacher, and coach from 1984-2018. Gardner died on July 22, 2025 after an eight-year battle with prostate cancer. The event, held in the Upper Campus gym, drew more than 200 people.

   As the stories filled the gym, it became clear that Gardner not only affected individuals, he also left a huge mark on Upper Campus and the masses who walked through the halls during his tenure. He never really left Pinewood. He’s still here. His kindness, love, and positive energy has left an indelible mark on Pinewood’s past, present, and future. His footprints are the ones that the rest of us follow.

   “He had a gift to see the big picture, and he quietly modeled for us what really matters at the end of the day: human connection and love,” English teacher Sabrina Strand said. “This world doesn’t always make it easy to love your neighbor, but [Gardner] showed us that not only is it possible, it is absolutely essential. Nothing matters without it.”

   Gardner was goofy, wickedly funny, and somehow both a softie and a disciplinarian at the same time. He was a person of excellent character but never thought what he was doing was anything extraordinary. When you were around him, you knew he cared about you. You knew you were safe.

   One time, I chaperoned the 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip with Gardner. We were talking along the cherry blossom trees near the Jefferson Memorial at night, and there were many low-hanging branches that were hard to see. Gardner was so busy making sure that students didn’t accidentally run into them that he ran into one himself, leaving a bloody scratch on his forehead for the rest of the trip. In his usual manner, he downplayed it and carried right on, thankful that all the students escaped unharmed.

   The stories of Gardner’s grace, humor, kindness, silliness and love are endless. His goofy tie collection was the stuff of legend. He could be seen everywhere on campus, from substitute teaching to chatting with students to fixing the roof. He once drove out to meet a teacher on the side of the road to change her tire for her, sliding right underneath the car with his nice collared shirt and tie. He enjoyed a good prank and once took a teacher’s shoes hostage, demanding chocolate chip cookies in return.

   I’ve been a teacher at Pinewood since 2010. Over and over again, I hear the same thing from faculty, students, families, and even prospective families: “Everyone at Pinewood is so nice.” It’s really true. Pinewood is a place that stands out for its warmth and kindness. Gardner played a huge role in creating a space of love and kindness for all. His humble nature, selflessness and giving attitude really is the perfect metaphor for Pinewood. He is largely why Pinewood is the way it is today.

   “In a sea of competitive Bay Area college prep schools, Pinewood has always stood out for its heart, and that’s largely because of [Gardner’s] leadership over his tenure as the head of Upper Campus,” Strand said. “His kindness-first leadership style, his gift for making space for all kinds of people, and his unwavering belief that character matters more than achievement left a mark on every one of us.”

   Gardner would always tell his own children to “remember who you are.” It’s a simple but powerful message that holds today. Even though many of the students who attend Pinewood today never knew Gardner, they should know that Pinewood is a special place because of him. He was the difference that makes Pinewood the difference. It’s an honor to have a small part in carrying forth his legacy.