Clifford William Gardner
Sydney Mines, NS
March 11th, 1935 – March 14th, 2021
It is with deep sadness that we, the family of Clifford Gardner, announce the passing of our Father, Brother, Poppy, Uncle and Friend at the QEII Hospital in Halifax on March 14, three days after his 86th birthday.
He was born in Sydney Mines to Reta(Ford) and Wilson Gardner. In his younger years, he was an avid fisherman, hunter and spent many wonderful times with his buddies. He retired from Devco, due to illness, where he was a machinist and diesel mechanic. He then took on the hobby of woodworking, where he spent many hours in his garage making wooden toys, reindeer and snowmen which are distributed all over Canada.
Clif was a modest and true, quiet gentleman who was always available to help wherever he could and never expected or wanted any recognition. Cliffy could however tease a person to tears and they would come back for more. In the machine shop at Devco, he was a terror and played jokes on everybody.
He was an active member of the Royal Oak Masonic Lodge #85 for 63 years and held the positions of Worshipful Master and Tyler. He was also a proud member of the Sydney Mines Volunteer Fire Department and held the office of Assistant Deputy Fire Chief. Many a good times were held with the Department and he acquired many lasting friends.
His Church family at Carman United was very special to him and took up a large part of his life. There was never an occasion that he missed and enjoyed the friendship of all. The ladies in the back row of the church were teased relentlessly before the service started and he will be missed. He faithfully attended Sunday services and held positions on the Building Committee, was a Board Member and was the custodian for many years.
As a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #8, he attended all functions they hosted and enjoyed their friendship. He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Ceilidh Golden K for 33 years and enjoyed it very much.
He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 59 years, Joyce Marie (Patrick), with whom he enjoyed many good times, travelling and camping with family and friends.
Also surviving him are his sons Eric C. (Jennifer) Gardner of Quispamsis, N.B, Steven R. (Elizabeth-Simpson MacDonald) Gardner of Sydney Mines and Karen E. (Michael) Burton of Fall River N.S. His precious grandchildren, Ryan (Cody Reicker), Daniel, William, and Carl Gardner (Morgan Eyking), Madison (Sam Jackson) and Shane Burton, who he loved unconditionally, and they loved to be teased by their Poppy.
Remaining family are brothers David, Carl and Paul ‘Freddie’ and sister Judy (Dan) Whalen, all of Sydney Mines. His extended family includes Gwen, Deannie and Paula Gardner, Georgena Morris, Roy (Eve) Patrick, Nancy (Kevin) McLellan, Debbie (Neill) MacMillan, Rose Patrick, and many nieces and nephews who were all special to him.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by grandson Jarod Gardner, brothers Thomas, Wilson and Brian, sister-in-law Gilda Gardner, and Wendy MacMullen, George (Lena) Patrick, Marion (Frank) Walker, Gordon (Joyce) Shaw, Roger Morris, Roger Patrick, niece Melissa MacMillian and nephew Matthew Walker.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Clifford’s life will take place at a later date in late spring, early summer, which will be announced.
Donations in Clifford’s memory may be made to Carmen United Church, Brookside Cemetery, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Words of comfort may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com
“Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
Rest in
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Clifford William Gardner 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney-Mines, Province: Nova Scotia