Charles Gardiner

Charles Alfred Gardiner, son of the late Margaret VanLooy (Albert)& Alfred Gardiner (Muriel), passed away peacefully surrounded by his family that loved him dearly, on Tuesday February 5, 2019 at the age of 78 years.

Charles, affectionately known as “Charlie” and “Chuck” married the love of his life, Sue (Haydon) fifty-seven years ago.  Together they raised three children who made them very proud; Annette Lucio (Mark), Bill Gardiner (Jen) and Ray Gardiner who passed away in 2016.  They had the awesome adventure of being grandparents to Vanessa Lucio, Bill Gardiner Jr and Kate Gardiner as well as great-grandparents to Teagan, Pheobe, Owen and Ryker.    He will be remembered fondly by his siblings and their spouses Sharron Guyett, Pat Wright (late Mick), Cheryl Werne (Glen), Marion Reaume (late Al), Kathy Eade (Doug), Eve Gardiner (late Doug) and John Howard (Joyce).

Charlie was a long time employee of Southwestern Regional Centre where he quickly advanced from the position of a Health Care Aide to Residential Supervisor, then to Facility Supervisor and finally the Manager of Auxiliary services including Housekeeping, Laundry farm and gardens until his retirement in December 1996 after 34 years.  He and Sue enjoyed many years and many bonfires at their “summer home” in Campers Cove, Wheatley and winters in Florida.

Charlie was Scout leader of many years in Chatham at 1st Presbyterian Church troup # 9, where he shared his love of the outdoors and, and instilling his passion on the youth of serving others. He did so both as a Scout leader and Venture leader at work at SRC always wanting to get the “kids” there the same opportunities and organized many camping trips for them as well.  Charlie was a long time Jaycee in Chatham and was given the honour of Senator for his commitment to his community, including, chairing many community events such as both Christmas and fair parades, as well as the haunted house and the many sporting events and tournaments. He did all these not to just serve the community but to install those same values to his children.

Family and friends are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home where visitation will take place on Saturday from 2 – 4 & 7 – 9 p.m.  A Funeral Service for Chuck, officiated by Pastor Bill Terris will take place on Sunday February 10, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. Cremation to follow.

Friends wishing to remember Chuck with a memorial donation are asked to consider either the Diabetes Society or the Kidney Foundation.