John Reynolds Gardiner (December 6, 1944 - March 4, 2006) was an American author and engineer. Born in Los Angeles, he earned his master's degree from the University of California in Los Angeles. Gardiner edits children's stories for TV. He lived in Western Germany and Central America. In Idaho he heard of a legend, on which he based his first book, Stone Fox. He lived with his wife in California and died of complications from pancreatitis at a hospital in Anaheim, California. December 6 is the 340th day (341st on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday (the link is to a full 1944 calendar). ... March 4 is the 63rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (64th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... An author is the person who creates a written work, such as a book, story, article or the like. ... This article is about the largest city in California. ... The University of California (UC) is a public university system in the state of California. ... West Germany was the informal name for the Federal Republic of Germany from 1949 to 1990, during which years the Federal Republic did not yet include East Germany. ... Map of Central America Central America is a central region of the Americas. ... Official language(s) English Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Area Ranked 3rd - Total 158,302 sq. ... Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. ... Flag Seal Location Location within Orange County, California Government Country State County United States California Orange Mayor Curt Pringle Geographical characteristics Area City 50. ...