OBITUARY
Don Gardiner
23 January , 1939 – 7 April , 2018
Gardiner, Joseph Daniel (Don), O.C.
Businessman, community leader, husband, family man and founder of Gardiner Realty Limited and Gardiner Properties, Fredericton, N.B. J.D. (Don) Gardiner, Order of Canada, died peacefully at age 79 surrounded by his loving family on April 7, 2018, Halifax, N.S.
Proud Cape Bretoner, global ambassador for Fredericton, and, above all, devoted husband and beloved companion for 56 years of Alice (nee Johnson) of Glace Bay, N.S. Deeply loved father of Lynn Gardiner Rose (Joel ) of Woodstock, N.B. and Donna Gardiner Thompson (Lincoln) of Fredericton, N.B., proud and caring grandfather to Max, Amanda, Jamie, Ashley, Katrina and Benjamin, and great grandfather to Skylar. Predeceased by his sister Elizabeth (Bess) Gardiner and brother Mark Gardiner, former Chief of Police in Glace Bay, N.S.
Son of Joseph Gardiner and Josephine MacDonald, of Glace Bay, Don rose from humble beginnings in Table Head where he grew up to become one of the most successful independent businessmen in the real estate industry of the Maritimes.
Don was a true Maritime businessman fully committed to giving something back to the community. Seeing the ravages of lung disease first hand in Cape Breton, Don volunteered, over a 12-year period, with the Canadian Lung Association and served as national President in 1991-92. He also served on the Board of Director for the QEII Hospital for ten years. In 1989, Don established the Gardiner Medical Research Foundation to encourage excellence in research activities related to inflammatory arthritis and other autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
Being named to the Order of Canada by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson on July 18, 2000 was a tremendous highlight, and it coincided with the 30th anniversary year of Gardiner Realty. Eventually, Don was approached to serve on the Executive of the Canadian Snowbird Association and in 2007 was elected to serve as President, assuming the post at the January 2008 annual meeting in Lakeland, Florida.
Don took great pride, in later years, in the growth and resilience of the family firm, now known as the Gardiner Group of Companies. 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Gardiner Group, which he was very much looking forward to celebrating. Operating out of five real estate offices, the firm also ran Gardiner Properties through which they own subdivisions, shopping centres (in Bible Hill, NS and Cornwall, PEI), warehouses, and land for future development. Don also operated a business consulting and investment division where he was behind a number of large deals in Halifax, NS.
With Alice at his side, Don achieved far more than remarkable business success. Over five decades, he managed to raise a family, head the Canadian branch of the International Real Estate Federation, chair the Canadian Lung Association’s anti-smoking campaign, and receive an Order of Canada and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his charitable activities. After re-locating to Halifax in June 2004, he played an active role in the Halifax Club and the Capital Campaign for the new Halifax Central Library. He and Alice remained generous contributors to the Halifax Memorial Veteran’s Garden, QEII Hospital Foundation, and the Central Library. His most recent passion project was a $140 million privately-funded 20,000-seat stadium in HRM which would host a new Canadian Football League team.
Don Gardiner may have passed, but a wellspring of fond memories live on – of a true gentlemen, a businessman with a big heart and a winning smile, impeccably dressed and unfailingly polite in his dealings with everyone.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 14th at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica located at 5221 Spring Garden Road, Halifax with a reception to follow. A funeral service will be held on May 12, 2018, 2:00 pm, located at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church on 120 Regent St, Fredericton, NB . Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Gardiner Medical Research Trust Fund, QEII Foundation, in honour of Don would be appreciated by the family.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Don Gardiner 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: halifax, Province: Nova Scotia
