Centenarian Honored by City Council

Centennial birthdays are a time for celebration in Beverly Hills. City Council honored Arthur Gardner at Tuesday's meeting for reaching that milestone.

"It's the highest honor I've had yet," Gardner said.

Gardner's sons, Doug and Steven, and his daughter-in-law, Andrea, were on hand as the family patriarch accepted a certificate of recognition from the city for his longevity and commitment to the Beverly Hills community. 

Born on June 7, 1910, Gardner came to Los Angeles from Marinette, Wis., in 1929 to take a stab at acting. When that plan fell through, Gardner made a name for himself as a Hollywood producer. He produced four television series, including The Rifleman and The Big Valley. Gardner also produced 22 films, working with the likes of John Wayne, Burt Reynolds, Burt Lancaster and Candice Bergen. Though his stint in acting was brief, Gardner was in the 1930's classic All Quiet On The Western Front. He is the movie's last surviving cast member.

Gardner ended up settling with his wife, Marcia, in Beverly Hills in 1961. Marcia Gardner was a dedicated volunteer at the city's public library and also served on the library's board of trustees. The couple raised their two sons here. Steven attended both El Rodeo and Beverly Hills High School.

Gardner said the relocation to Beverly Hills was the right move for his young family.

"I love it," he said of his community. "It's just a pleasure to live in Beverly Hills."

Gardner had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the LA Dodger's game on his June 2 birthday. He has been a season ticket holder since the team moved from Brooklyn in 1958. But Gardner has never forgotten about his hometown in Wisconsin. He dedicated an outdoor scoreboard to his alma mater, Marinette High School, and also sponsors a theater arts scholarship there.

From everyone at Patch: Happy 100th birthday to you, Arthur Gardner!