| GARDINER - Dad (Barrie) was born in Marwayne, Alberta on November 10, 1936 and passed away April 9, 2007. He moved around a little bit as a child and ended up in Grande Prairie where he met Mom in 1953. They were married in 1955 and moved to Edmonton where they started their family with Deb being born in 1957. Wasting no time they had Doug in 1958 followed with Darlene in 1960. They moved to Red Deer and Donna was born in 1962. As you can imagine they kept pretty busy and stayed in Red Deer until 1967. In 1967 he made the big move to Coronation, raised his family and has called it home ever since. Coronation was a perfect place for Dad – the land of paradise for hunting and trapping with lots of fishing close by. When Dad was not out hunting, trapping or looking for deer sheds he loved to spend time with his family, golfing, playing cards and yahtzee. He spent many weekends at hockey games, hockey tournaments, and swim meets watching his children and then his grandchildren. As Rick, Dale and Hilda became part of his family he never considered them in-laws, he treated each of them as one of his own. Dad had a wonderful relationship with his grandkids. One of Dad’s proudest moments was standing for the national anthem at an NHL game when Travis was in the starting line up. Travis and Dad also shared the love for hunting and fishing. Trina and Dad had a bit of a contest going, each wanting to out joke or out-prank the other. They both had many laughs. Dad was so proud of Tara at her University graduation and he was so happy for her and Scott when they announced their wedding date. Dad always liked it when Kyle would help him with his daily crossword puzzles and marveled at Kyle’s knowledge from such a young age. Jordon and Dad spent a lot of hours on the golf course; not sure he enjoyed Jordon beating him though. Cassidy was his little princess that he loved to tease and cuddle with on the couch, sharing a few bowls of popcorn. He took great pride in his grandchildren and their accomplishments. He was amazed with his great grandkids, Reece and Talon and all their energy. He always looked forward to visits with everyone. Dad had a great relationship with his brother and sisters. They loved to play cards and scrabble whenever they could get together. He had some great hunting buddies - Wayne and George spent as much time with him as some of his family. In the fall he often had to send flowers to Mom for their anniversary as he was busy bird hunting. He never did forget! Dad also loved to work out in the yard. He spent a lot of time landscaping, planting flowers and then just laying on his chair in the sun. After Dad retired, he and mom started their antique and collectible business. This kept them busy, traveling to auctions and sales, something Dad loved to do. They also enjoyed many years of golf trips to Whitefish and Fairmont, and garage sales along the way. Mom and Dad were married for 51 years last October and in the last 10 years they didn’t spend too much time apart. When Dad became ill he cherished his time with Mom even more and wanted her by his side day and night. We know that the love and life they shared was real and everlasting and that his last few days were spent in the comfort and love of his life long friend and wife. Dad’s story is too short but it is full of lots of love, laughter and memories that will continue for generations to come. Barrie is survived by his loving wife and friend Marlene; children, Debbie (Rick) Brigley, Doug (Hilda) Gardiner, Darlene Gardiner and Donna (Dale) Jones; grandchildren, Travis and(Trina) Brigley, Tara Brigley (Scott), Kyle Jones, Jordon Gardiner and Cassidy Gardiner. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Reece Brigley and Talon Brigley; brothers and sisters, Phyllis Bedell, Margaret Schmidt, Fay (Inglis) Dalziel, Fred (Elizabeth) Gardiner, and sister-in-law, Carrole Fordham as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Frank Gardiner; mother, Sadie Mahan; stepfather, Harold Mahan; brothers-in-law, Ed Schmidt, Rod Bedell and Rick Fordham. The funeral service to commemorate Barrie’s life took place at the Evangelical Free Church, Coronation, Alberta on Friday, April 13, 2007 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Terry Belcourt officiating. Barrie’s sister, Phyllis Bedell gave the scripture readings. Long time friend George Matheson gave a tribute and shared fond memories. A recorded poem by Marlene Gardiner was played following the tributes. Margaret and Barbie Evans played for the congregational hymn, “In The Garden”. Soloist, Dan Kinakin sang “Take My Hand Precious Lord”. Following the memorial service family and friends gathered at the Coronation Community Centre for a time of visiting and reminiscing. A beautiful lunch was prepared and served by the Evangelical Church Ladies. In Barrie’s honour, memorial contributions may be made to the Coronation Health Centre Foundation, or to a charity of the donor’s choice in care of Coronation Funeral Home, Box 35, Coronation, Alberta. T0C 1C0. |