Obituary of Bill Gardiner

The family of Bill Gardiner announce his passing on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at Rocmaura Nursing Home. Born January 25, 1927 in Gateshead, England, he was a son of the late William Walter and Mary Hunter (Gowland) Gardiner. He was predeceased by his wife Esme Margaret (Chapman). Bill moved with his family from England to Saint John in 1964, where he worked a number of years as a ship chandler for Townsend & Co. on Water Street, before opening his own business, Marine Agencies. Bill was active in the Renforth community in the early 1970’s and served on the executive of the Kennebecasis Rowing Club. He helped organize the 1971 Renforth Rowing Regatta in which the 1871 World Championship race, held in Paris and won by the Saint John ‘Paris’ crew over a Tyne crew from Bill’s home town in England, was re-run. Bill semi-retired to Ratters Corner in Kings County in the early 1980’s where he had a small sheep and goat farm, something he had dreamed of doing since the early 1950’s, before moving back to Saint John in 1987. Bill is survived by his sons: William and Graham Gardiner (Kathy); daughter, Pam Lawson (James); grandchildren: Jessica Gardiner, Monica Langille, Samantha Gardiner, James Lawson, Emma Lawson, and Claire Lawson; and great-grandchildren: Sophia, Jacob, Marissa, Brianna, and Svea. Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). A private service will be held on Friday, November 2, 2018 at 2 pm from Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel. For those who wish, remembrances to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by the family. Please place online condolences and remembrances at www.brenansfh.com.