1928 ~ GARDINER ~ 2016
Posted: July 4th, 2016
With sincere gratitude for his well lived, 88-year life, we salute the family pride and commitment Grant Rowbotham Gardiner shared with us all. Along with Barb, his amazing wife and steady ally of 44 years, they built an impressive foundation of strength, integrity and connection for their immediate family:
Gary (kids Greg, Shannon), Catherine (kids Robbie, Jordyn, Andrea), Bruce (Michele; kids Brooke, Drew), Debbie (Albert; kids Carlye (Wacey), Jay, Blake), Bob (Kandi; kids Jenn, TJ (CJ) with great grandsons Wyatt, Grayson), Susan (Mike; kids Connor, Colby, Grant), and Lori (Harlan; kids Sydni, Caiden).
Grant was predeceased by his wife, Barb (2014) as well as his infant granddaughter, Erin Gardiner; great nephew, Will Bouchard; and first wife, Marilyn Gray.
The eldest son of Robert (aka Dick) Gardiner and Hester Sproule, Grant was brother to Helen and Bill (Judy) and self-appointed foreman to his younger cousins in the very tight, fun-loving Sproule family. Grant embraced in-laws Ed and Ev Deering (now deceased), sister-in-law Marlene Ruff (Vern) and family, and the Grays.
The practical perfectionist (!) and talented carpenter, Grant mastered the mix of hard work, good cooking, legendary turkey dinners, the ‘just right’ cocktail, and fun. Grant treasured the places in his life that brought his favourite people together: his home in Medicine Hat, the Gull Lake cabin, Elkwater campgrounds, Estuary and The Farm in Bashaw.
Still top of Grant’s list was the broad circle of valued friends he enjoyed and traveled with through business (Ogilvies, Engineered Homes, Gardiner Agencies, MH Real Estate Board, CREA), community (Kinsmen, K-40s, Masons, Shriners, Shrine Band, Jesters, etc.), goose hunting, as well as the extended families and friends of pretty much everyone he knew. Great meals, hearty laughs, Sargent’s orders and well- defended stories were just the norm.
With his characteristic strength and still not a hair out of place, Dad passed away June 30, surrounded by the same unconditional love he so easily gave to us. In celebration of the end of this revered era, we toast the man we proudly called Dad, grandpa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He was a helluva guy!
The Funeral Service will be held at FIFTH AVENUE MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH, 476 – 4 Street SE, on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Dave Pollard officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Grant’s memory may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, 666 – 5 Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6, or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children – Canada, 1003 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 0A9. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Grant Gardiner. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599
We have been absence from the city and are just now catching up on the news of Grant’s passing. Please accept our sincere sympathy. We remember good times and many laughs thru our mutual involvement in the real estate business. Grant did many things and he always did them well. He was respected and that is something for his family to cherish.