Sep 22, 1930 - Feb 15, 2018
It is with heartfelt sadness that we must now say our final goodbye to Richard Brown Gardiner on his sudden passing.
'Dickie' was born in Hillcrest Alberta to Richard Brown Gardiner and Euphemia Chalmers Armitage. As a boy growing up in the Crownest Pass, 'Dickie' spent many days climbing the hills and walking the rivers with his friends, hunting and fishing.
His other love, music, won him many local festivals for his singing of Scottish favorites. His love of music followed him throughout his life, seeing him a part of many community bands and dance bands over the years and across Canada, often with his wife, Audrey and in later years, sometimes with his son, Bruce, and even a few times with his daughter, Richelle performing alongside.
'Dick's' employment would begin in the Crowsnest Pass with a very short stint in the coal mines and then training as an automotive mechanic, before moving on in 1950 to join the RCAF, where he had a 25-year career in electronics, which would see him live and work in many parts of Canada and beyond Canada.
Upon retiring, the family moved back to the Comox Valley, and 'Dick' would build a family home on Robinson Lake in Black Creek and then launch a very successful Real Estate career in Courtenay, continuing to play music and fishing in his spare time. In his later years, 'Richard' would take up sailing and in his 30' sailboat, Santa Clara have many sailing adventures with Audrey and other family and friends, including circumnavigating Vancouver Island.
Richard was always thrilled to hear the arrival of new grandchildren and great-grandchildren; he loved babies and spent many hours with his wee-barins.
Survived by his wife, Audrey, his son Bruce, and daughter Richelle (Garry), along with four grandsons - Richard (Catherine), Andy (Kate), Leith (Alyssa), and Geoff; and three great-grandchildren - Grayson, Rory and Kathleen, Richard (Dick) will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his family.
A sincere thanks to Dr. Lamykina and her staff for their exceptional ongoing care provided to Richard over the years.
On Saturday, March 10th, family and friends will gather to send Richard off on his final sailing voyage.
Interested friends are invited to contact the family for details.