ALAN GEORGE GARDINER

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ALAN GEORGE GARDINER President, Everest of Thunder Bay May 24, 1931 June 17, 2011 Mr. Alan George Gardiner, age 80 years, former long-time resident of Isabella Street, passed away unexpectedly, but with dignity, in hospital on Friday, June 17, 2011. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Alan lived there until moving to Thunder Bay in 1972. He studied English and French literature at the University of Manitoba, later graduating with an Honours B.A. in Economics and Political Science. His neverending passion for further learning lead him to graduate studies in Economics and Business Management and finally after completing his Masters Degree he earned a Ph.D. Candidacy in Economics. In 1971 he was awarded a Canada Council Doctoral Fellowship. Prior to marriage, Alan led an adventurous life, including sports cars; auto racing; becoming a licensed pilot, flying both at home and abroad, including over the African desert; a commissioned Air Intelligence Officer with the R.C.A.F.; in 1954 he was trained as a parachutist with the French S.A.L.S. (special forces) in France; in 1955 travelling in France and French North Africa as an accredited newspaper correspondent from the Winnipeg Tribune; during the International Suez Canal Crisis of 1956 he served as adjutant of an Air Intelligence Unit. Alan was also an avid sailor and racing enthusiast with St. Andrews Sailing Club on Lake Winnipeg. As a member of TUXIS and Older Boys Parliament of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario, he was elected Premier in 1951 of the 30th Annual Parliament. Later he served as chairman of the sponsoring organization for many years. In later years, his recreational interests were closer to home including fishing, camping and bird hunting. However, he truly enjoyed his trips to Jamaica where he was able to pursue his love of scuba diving which brought him to achieve his professional Divemaster's rating. In 1946, Alan started with his family's firm of A.B. Gardiner and Co. Funeral Directors, in Winnipeg, earning his Manitoba Funeral Director's and Embalmer's licenses in 1952. He remained with the family business until he returned to University in 1965. In 1958 he met the love of his life Eleanor Ruth Lundman and they were married in 1959. Together they loved to travel sharing many adventures both home and abroad. In Winnipeg, Alan was a founding partner of Perimeter Aviation; a longtime member of the Central Y.M.C.A. he also served on the Metropolitan Board of Governors of the Y.M.C.A. of Greater Winnipeg; Chairman of the P.A.L.A. residential camp branch and President of Camp Manitou for Boys Ltd; an active member of the Winnipeg Rotary Club and a member and director of the Winnipeg Executives Association. In 1972, Alan joined the Federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs at which time he moved to Thunder Bay. Later, as a private business consultant he was extensively involved in numerous small industrial and resource-based projects. In January 1979 Alan returned to funeral service, and purchased the Everest Company, and earned his Ontario Funeral Director's License. Alan always strived to better meet the needs of the families he served, which lead to him introducing various new and innovative services. In 1997 his dream was fulfilled with the opening of the Everest Westfort Chapel. Over the years he was very active in the Thunder Bay community, serving as Chairman of the Volunteer Bureau; a member of the board of the Fort William Y.M.C.A., and of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Former active member of Fort William Rotary, the Shuniah Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and the Thunder Bay Executives Association. During the 1970s and 1980s Alan and his wife Eleanor, became heavily involved in Jamaican development projects. They assisted for many years with the Portmore faith community. At the official opening in 1986 of Portmore Church of Christ, they contributed as soloist and accompanist, a connection which has been maintained for many years. In 1987, Alan received the Silver Centenary Medal from the Scalabrini Missionary Order for his work on behalf of the Catholic Church. One of Alan's biggest passions was music. From studying classical piano to voice training he appeared in various stage musicals in both Winnipeg and Thunder Bay. In recognition of his contribution to the arts in Thunder Bay, in 1992, Alan was awarded the Regional Arts Council Award to Small Business. Alan was a regular guest soloist at various churches in Thunder Bay. He, his wife Eleanor and their family are active members of St. Paul's Anglican Church. Ultimately, Alan's passions were for his family, his music, his faith and his community. Alan is survived by Eleanor, his wife of nearly 52 years; their three children, John-Bryan (Lynn), Marjorie of Toronto (presently here), and Fiona-Jean; and their granddaughter Healey Malvina. Brother-in-law Dr. Bernie Boecker in Duluth, MN, as well as numerous nephews and cousins in Winnipeg, Toronto and Vancouver also survive. Predeceased by his parents, Arthur Bertram and Ethel Gardiner; brother Wilfred Gardiner; sisters Marjorie Rose and Jean Boecker. Funeral services for Alan Gardiner were held on Wednesday June 22, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Paul's Anglican Church, Ridgeway Street East, with the Reverend Deborah Kraft officiating. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery. Pallbearers were extended family and friends David and Dan Stezenko, Allan J. Niemi, James Keigher, Bruno DiGregorio and Mike Wrenshall. Visitation for family and friends was after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening in the EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma. Attending the services from out of town were daughter Marjorie of Toronto, nephew Colin Gardiner of Winnipeg and close family friend Jodi Graham of Saskatoon. If friends so desire donations to Shelter House, St. Paul's Anglican Church, or the Alzheimer's Society would be greatly appreciated. Please visit everestofthunderbay.com to sign the ONLINE TRIBUTES or to view Alan's complete Biography.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2011