Obituary of Jack Barry GARDINER

April 10, 1941 – Winnipeg, Manitoba October 25, 2018 – Langdon, Alberta Jack Gardiner beloved husband of Margaret (Peggy) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the age of 77 years. Jack’s love of animals began at an early age. He rode his horse, Roger, to deliver newspapers. He rescued his first puppy, Prince, bringing her home on his bike in the sack she was about to be drowned in. His mom would only let him keep the dog if it was a male. . . .she was eventually renamed Princess. In the 60’s and 70’s he and Peggy bred and showed Irish Setters and Jack also showed English Bulldogs. As a teenager Jack served in the Cameron Highlanders and later assisted with the Air Cadets. In the early 60’s Jack began his working career in the mail room at Investors; then as a clerk at James Richardson’s where he was trained as a computer programmer on their first computer, the 1401. In 1969 he moved to Ottawa and worked as a programmer for Stats Canada until 1974. He returned to Winnipeg to work at the University of Manitoba, Bristol Aerospace, Selkirk Rolling Mills, Birt’s Saddlery as tack manager, and lastly with CNR as brakeman/conductor on the Thompson/Churchill line. In 1997 he transferred to Calgary and worked in the CNR yard as a brakeman until his retirement in 2001. Horses and ponies were part of Jack’s life from early in his marriage. The girls remember their first pony, a POA named Little Hawk. In 1978 Jack and Peggy owned and operated a boarding stable near Oakbank, Manitoba – the beginning of their daughters’ involvement in the horse show world. Jack said he would pay their entry fees and haul them to the shows in exchange for their commitment to work with their horses, do the evening feed, and clean the 14 boarding stalls after school. At ages 8, 9 and 12 the girls showed their dad they were up to his challenge and developed a strong work ethic that continues to this day. After moving to Calgary in 1997, Jack joined the Wild Rose Hunting/Retriever Club, becoming involved in the North American Hunting Retriever Association and Canadian Kennel Club hunt tests. In 2003 he acquired his beloved chocolate lab, Tia. Together they competed in Canada and the USA earning the titles of Grand Master Hunter in NAHRA and Master Hunter in CKC. Jack’s interest in woodcarving began with a class at Manitoba’s Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Center. His first carving was a Greater Yellow Legs shore bird. His interest in carving continued the rest of his life and he especially enjoyed his Wednesday mornings with the “Fowl Play Carvers”. Jack won several ribbons at various competitions in the novice class, creating treasured heirlooms for family and friends. Jack’s taste in music was eclectic to say the least – from blasting Mozart through open car windows on trips, to Scottish bagpipe music, Pavarotti, Johnny Cash, and John McDermott which he listened to often during his last months. Jack was always outnumbered by the females in his life including his sisters, daughters, dogs, horses and even the budgie they thought was male until she laid eggs. Shelley, Laura and Colleen discovered their dad’s ticklish spots early on and would gang up on him, everyone giggling and laughing. Jack adored his grandchildren. Kelsey and Rowan will remember summers spent with Grandma and Grandpa, camping, attending many pancake breakfasts during the Calgary stampede, and swimming lessons. Kolten, who is now 10, will remember a camping trip to Champion Lake, BC and sleeping in the pull down cupboard of the Boler trailer. All the grandkids will remember going to the Calgary Stampede parade. Jack and Peggy purchased a vintage 1979 Boler trailer which they fixed up and used for travelling to field trials and Boler events in the summers. His involvement with dogs, horses and carving along with several winters spent at Rancho Sonora in Florence Arizona led to numerous friendships both here and in the USA. His final year was a battle which he handled with grace and kindness to all involved. Jack will be remembered for his infectious smile and laugh, twinkling eyes and kind heart. Besides his loving wife of fifty-five years, Peggy, Jack is survived by; daughters and sons-in-law, Shelley Versavel, Laura Gardiner and Michael Wise, Colleen Gardiner and Randal Heimark; grandchildren, Rowan and Kelsey Versavel, Kolten Wise; sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and David Leier, Brenda and Ted Trudeau; brother-in-law Chuck and wife Beth Queau. Jack was predeceased by his infant son Scott Barry on Dec 31, 1967, and parents John and Lily Gardiner. The family extends sincere thanks to Nurse Practitioner Sandy Andersen, Home Care nurses, palliative care physician, Dr. Hui and CBI Home Care workers. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Red Cross Society, Southern Alberta Region, 2nd Floor, 1305 – 11st Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T3C 3P6, Telephone: (403) 541-6100, or to the Rosedale Hospice #1245 – 70 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2X8 Telephone: (403) 284 – 5195 or directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Jack Gardiner, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.