Robert MacPherson (Stretch) Gardiner, of Gulfstream, Fla, died on Nov. 3. He was 95.

Stretch was born on Nov. 17, 1922 in Denver, Colo. and raised on Auburn Farm in Thurmont, Md. He attended Trinity-Pawling School and graduated from Princeton in 1943. During Wrols War II he was a U.S. army officer in the 78th Infantry Division serving in France and Germany for which he was decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Belgian Croix de Guerre.

He began his distinguished Wall Street career at A.M. Kidder & Company, held several managing positions and was appointed chairman at Reynolds Securities. He merged Reynolds with Dean Witter where he became the chairman and CEO of the Financial Services Group and was instrumental in launching the Discover Card in 1986.

After retirement, he continued to contribute his expertise and perspective as a senior advisor to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. He served as vice-chairman of the New York Stock Exchange and chairman of the Securities Industry Association. He was a significant force in shaping the world of investing, playing a leading role in the formation of NASDAQ. He is the author of The Morgan Stanley Guide to Personal Investing.

His warmth and spirited wit enriched the lives of all who knew him. He was active on the board of directors of The Boys’ Club of New York and was a trustee of the Guggenheim Museum. He was a member of Vineyard Golf, Edgartown Golf Club, Edgartown Yacht Club and the Reading Room.

He was married to Elizabeth Walker Gardiner, father of Margaret, Susan, Tom and the late Peter Gardiner, and grandfather of Robert and Alexandra Gardiner.

He was predeceased by his beloved son, Peter, a brother, Clement Gardiner, and his parents, Clement and Margaret Gardiner.

Contributions in his memory can be made to The Boys Club of New York, 287 East 10th Street, New York, NY, 10009 or The Trinity Pawling School, 700 Route 22, Pawling, NY, 12564.

Interment in Thurmont, Md is private. A celebration of his life will be at a later date.