We are saddened to hear of the passing of Gardner Gray, who lived for many years at Pringle in the southern Black Hills. Gardner worked hard against uranium mining – even running for the State Legislature on a “No Uranium Mining” ticket.

Gardner brought a unique set of skills to the fight against uranium mining. He was a Vietnam veteran and flew 99 missions of photo reconnaissance as a Navy Aviator. When the area proposed as a uranium mine in the southern Black Hills experienced catastrophic flooding, Gardner was ready. Flying over the proposed mine site, he documented the flooding, which would have disrupted mining and caused contamination if the mine was built. It actually pushed a train off its tracks! Without Gardner’s training and dedication, the scope of the flood and its potential impacts on a uranium mine would have been speculation. He got us the pictures!

Gardner was also a musician, a good man, and someone whose stature and deep voice made him someone to be reckoned with. We send our condolences to his wife, Lynn, and their family and friends. Gardner’s obituary asks for donations to Black Hills Clean Water Alliance in his memory. We are deeply honored.

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