Obituary of Irving Leo Gardiner

GARDINER: Irving Leo Gardiner of Minto, MB passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on October 29, 2012 at the Brandon Assiniboine Centre, at the age of 79. Irving was born March 7, 1933 in Minto, MB into the family of Donald and Gertrude, and older brother Keith. Irving was raised and schooled in Minto. In 1950, he started farming and also had small jobs in the area. While working, he met Nellie Lamb and they were married in 1953, and moved to the farm as well. Irving started with the RM of Whitewater as a heavy equipment operator. One year, his team won the best mile award. As the roads were completed in the area, they continued their lives on the farm. They started their family in 1955 with son Leo, daughter Ellen in 1957, and son Dwight in 1961. Irving was interested in a lot of things, but one of his greatest passions was airplanes and flying, getting his pilot's license in 1961. After getting his license, he purchased his first plane and many more after that. A few of these planes were used many years for aerial spraying. His favorite plane was a Fairchild PT 23 which he and a friend restored. Irving was a member of the Manitoba Flying Farmers and stood as President for a year. He was also a founding member of the Common Wealth Air Museum in Brandon, MB. In the late 70's, Leo started farming with Irving, and Dwight joined them in the early 80's. Irving and Nellie's marriage came apart in the late 80's. A tragic loss hit the family in 1992 with the passing of son, Leo. Dwight continued farming with his father until Irving's passing. Irving loved horse trading, motorcycles, RC model planes, camping, fishing, cribbage and travelling to many places. For the last 20 years, he spent his winters in Phoenix, Arizona, and 11 of those were spent with special friend, Audrey Shaw. In 2010, Irving slowed down farming due to health issues, but never could quite bring himself to leave the farm, nor the shop as he was always tinkering. He is survived by his daughter Ellen Klassen (Darrell), granddaughter Mel (Joe Rustenburg), son Dwight Gardiner (Debbie), granddaughters Kayla, Amanda (Mitchell), great-granddaughters, (Asha, Rylee and Chloe), nephews Bret and Kirk. He was predeceased by parents Donald and Gertrude, brother Keith and wife Shirley, and son Leo. Irving will be loved and missed by all family and friends whose lives he touched. A memorial service was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on November 2, 2012 with Rev. Joe Ball officiating. A private family interment followed at the Minto Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Unit A1-800 Rosser Avenue, Brandon, MB, R7A 6N5 or the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 5B-457-9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4A9.