Obituary of Bert Gardner

William Herbert (Bert) GardnerMay 18, 1931 – January 10, 2020It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our family leader on Friday, January 10, 2020.Bert was predeceased by his sisters Maureen and Joyce and brother in law Ken. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Margaret, children David (Dian), Elizabeth (Kevin) and Steven (Jackie); his grandchildren Jaime, Brendan, Matthew, Gregory and Jennifer (Brandon); great grandchild Arlo, as well as many nieces and nephews in England.After completing two years’ service as a Royal Horse Guard, C Squadron based in Windsor, England in July 1955, Bert set out in pursuit of the love of his life Margaret, who he met at Thomas Blackburn & Sons Ltd. in Preston, Lancashire. They were married on March 2, 1957 and shortly after, they left on the adventure of a lifetime, flying to Montreal, Quebec to begin the next phase of their life. Bert joined Dominion Structural Steel as a Senior Draughtsman.Bert and Margaret’s journey continued with stops in Bedford, Dartmouth and Halifax, Nova Scotia, where their three children were born, before eventually taking root in Etobicoke, Ontario in 1978.Bert’s business career progressed to Management and Executive roles in the construction industry, eventually becoming Vice President of Operations at Westeel Rosco Ltd. Bert retired in 2005 after holding the positions of Executive Director of the Toronto and Ontario Sheet Metal Associations for many years.Bert and Margaret would ultimately settle in Oakville Ontario, where they have met a great new circle of friends.Bert was undoubtedly successful in his business life, but his greatest pride came from watching his family grow and prosper, always ready to offer guidance, wisdom and a helping hand when needed.Bert had many passions and interests outside of work – almost all focused on sports. He was a high level soccer player and transitioned to coach as his playing days ended and coached his boys throughout their soccer careers. Steve in particular has carried on this tradition with his children. Bert paid back all that the game meant to him by becoming a level three coaching instructor for the Canadian Soccer Association and passed along his knowledge to hundreds of minor soccer coaches and players. He closely followed Liz’s gymnastics and dance, although acknowledged he could offer no instruction on how to tip toe on a balance beam!Despite never really learning to skate, he loved hockey and coached for many years as well. Bert continued to check in on Dave and Steve’s games with weekly calls, but insisted on updates on his grandson Brendan’s progress after every game and practice. With his usual “all in” approach, Bert was bitten by the golf bug in his early sixties and made sure he and Margaret became decent players.Bert had a great life in Canada, enhanced with some of his happiest times when he and Margaret hopped in the van, put on the Willie Nelson tunes and headed down to their second home in Little River, South Carolina. There, he enjoyed walks with Margaret and the dogs on Sunset Beach and gathering with their southern friends at Coquina Harbour.While we will miss Bert terribly, we take comfort in the fact that he achieved everything on his “to do” list and is now enjoying a long run on the pitch or walk on the beach with his beloved dogs Shandy, Marnie, Ceilidh and Tommy.A celebration of Bert’s life will take place at the Glen Abbey United Church, 1469 Nottinghill Gate, Oakville on Monday, January 20, 2020. Visitation will commence at 1:00pm with a Memorial service starting at 2:00pm followed by a reception.In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Glen Abbey United Church, or any charity of your choice would be appreciated.