Jack Was A Legend and Always Did It HIS WAY!
Passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 13th from complications of dementia at Jessica’s House, Exeter at the age of 84. Born September 28, 1939 to the late John Joseph Gardiner Sr. and late Leona Gardiner (nee Rutherford). Beloved and treasured husband of Arnette Gardiner (nee Conway) for 62 years. Cherished father of Cheryl Gardiner (Reg Gristey), Kelly Gardiner (Ron Pickel), John Gardiner (Zhang Jian), Michael Gardiner (Christine Wellenreiter), and Heather Gardiner (Jesse Crawford). Adored grandfather (Papa Funny!) of Leah McKay (Brad Wakem), Lindsay McKay (Adam Stan), Michelle Braconnier (Rory Braconnier), Luke McKay, Mitchell Gardiner, Brooke Crawford, Justin Crawford, and Josh Robins. Beloved great-grandfather (Papa Jack!) of Michaela, Austin, Jordan, and Octavia. Dear brother of Margaret Ann “Maggie” McGee. Predeceased by his sister, Jane Earl (2006) and his brother Gerry Gardiner (2022). Fondly regarded by his many cousins, nieces and nephews. Jack will always be remembered by the many friends he made and people he touched during his time playing football, teaching, and associating with the community.
Much of Jack’s younger years were spent playing high school football with Catholic Central Crusaders. Following his high school graduation, he played with the St. Thomas Jayhawks and several years with the local semi-professional London Lords football team.
He’ll be remembered by his team mates as a dedicated team player and an exceptional fullback because of his amazing energy and speed. Jack will also be remembered for his unfailing sense of humour which positively affected all those around him. You couldn’t help smiling when Jack was present.
In September, 1963, Jack began his career as a teacher at St. Pius School with the London Catholic Board of Education. After 2 years teaching there with his principal and good friend, Dan Kelly, Jack began his many years teaching Special Education with the board. This was an assignment that he was made for as his sense of humour and his friendly personality enabled him to help his students with more than just their education. He helped them become better people and even many years later several of them kept in touch with Mr.G! Jack taught for 33 years and finished his career teaching grades 6 & 7 at St. Patrick’s School in Lucan. In 1996, he retired from the classroom and settled into his many years of farming in London township.
Through the years, Jack was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Bryanston-Birr Optimists.
The Gardiner family would like to thank Ailsa Craig Craigwiel Gardens Day Program for their 4 years of dedication and continued support of Arnette and Jack. Thanks, also, are due to the staff and volunteers at Jessica’s House Hospice for their excellent care and compassion during Jack’s final days. Everyone there exceeded our expectations in so many ways. Their helpful advice and unwavering commitment to Jack and the family ensured a smooth path to the inevitable end of life.
In keeping with Jack’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private Celebration of Jack’s Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Jessica’s House, Exeter would be gratefully appreciated by the Gardiner family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Mary SINGERIS
Dear Arnette,
I just heard about the passing of Jack my condolences to you and your family. I always remember him as a very happy and joking person always supporting you. May those wonderful memories give you strength and courage. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Mary Singeris
Mike Circelli
Jack taught my brother and l in the early 60’s at Piux 10 He was awesome and he lead me to my passion of football which continues to this day My condolences to the family
Susan Hartley
Annette and family, our sincere condolences to all. We will always have wonderful memories of spending time with your family.
Mildred Dewan
Susan Dewan Hartley
Carol Whiteford
Dear Arnette and family, so sorry to read about Jack’s passing! He was so proud of his family and had some wonderful stories to tell! What a wonderful tribute to a man with a life well lived! May the memories of the happy times together help ease the pain! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! Carol Whiteford
Jennifer (Loft) Crisp
Dear Aunt Arnette, Cheryl, Kelly, John, Mike & Heather,
I am saddened to hear we have lost one of the great ones, known to me as Uncle Jack.
Uncle Jack brightened up every room, every family gathering, every bon fire, every pool party, and every event with his broad smile, loud presence, and never-ending jokes. Visits to the Gardiner clan as a child were such an entertaining event for all and Uncle Jack was one of the main reasons for that.
One specific memory of Uncle Jack also became a long-term event. Curious? The clues are something flat, green, and given every year. For those of you who ever received a gift from the Gardiner family may remember that Jack found a floral business going out of sale and bought a huge, green roll of wrapping paper. It was not the typical double roll, but the largest roll of paper we had ever seen.
Over the years, that green wrapping paper showed up time and time again under the Christmas tree no matter who was hosting. Each year, we laughed and laughed as we saw the countless green-wrapped gifts and had no difficulty in guessing what family those gifts were from!
Thank you, Uncle Jack, for making us laugh until our bellies ached. Thank you for making all of our lives complete. And yes, to echo my sister Lori Loft, everyone needs an Uncle Jack.
Lynda Niles
Annette and family,
Deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know that you have lots of great memories to cherish.
Lori Loft
To Arnette and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of Jack. He will be missed forever & always. I have been thinking a lot about him and I wanted to share an early memory of him.
*****
Every family should have an ‘Uncle Jack’. The family member who breathes life into family gatherings is the jokester & often does embarrassing things.
I loved my Uncle Jack but he did some silly things! He made me laugh out loud; his presence felt every time he entered a room. Charismatic! Great sense of humour! Good-natured! I loved spending time with him, my aunt & cousins.
One of the earliest memories I have, occurred when I turned 10 years old. It was my birthday; a warm sunny May afternoon captured an outdoor celebration with cousins, aunts, uncles & even more cousins.
We were eating my favourite cake – angel food cake with crispy crunch chocolate bar whipped cream icing. It was a money cake! My mom cleverly placed waxed paper coins wrapped in the batter before baking.
Uncle Jack was devouring a delicious piece of cake when suddenly a bird pooped on his piece. Imagine that! Unbelievably, it landed on his piece (of all the luck). He quickly scraped the bird poop to the edge of the paper plate & didn’t skip a beat polishing off his dessert!
It was only after he licked his plate clean that he realized he ate the bird poop mistaking it for icing. He was annoyed but I laughed so hard. There was nothing funnier to a ten-year-old than seeing an uncle eat poop. And you know what he said to me?
“I will show those darn birds . . . I am going to go scramble an egg, come outside to eat it in front of them, just to show those birds what I am capable of!”
I laughed & laughed as tears rolled down my cheeks & landed on my dessert plate. At least it wasn’t bird poop!
*****
Thank you for all the laughter & fun times Uncle Jack! You are a legend – one of my faves & I will always carry fond memories of life & gatherings with your family at the farm.
Margaret (Giesen) Sutherland
Mr Gardiner was my favourite teacher at St Pat’s. My condolences to his family
Marnie Phillipson
So many great memories with Jack,Arnett & Family.
How lucky we were to have had him in our lives.
Love Always Marnie (Late Ken) Phillipson & Family
Dan and Anne Gardiner
It is hard to find words that best describe Jack – however we will try to capture the essence of a very special person. A very charismatic, fun loving individual with a great sense of humour, Jack loved projects and immersed himself in whatever “project” he took on. He was a great listener, always had a response and went the extra mile for the things/people he believed in, especially his family.
If we had one word only to describe Jack, he was a legend! We have such fond memories of our visits together, He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Hank Arnold
Cheryl and Reg and family sorry to hear of Jack passing had a lot of laughs on Florida trips !you never knew what he was up to next!bowllng also.
Robert Franche
I went to highschool with John & Arnett He was quite the football player & later on a great teacher at St. Josephs I am sure he is greatly missed
Doug Fairbairn
My deepest sympathies to the family. I never had the good fortune to work with Jack; however, I met him a few times through Arnette. He was one of a kind – cheerful, good sense of humour and very helpful (he took down my basketball post and net even though it was encased in cement). He always had a smile on his face. The world is a lesser place without him. Goodby Jack.
Frank Wang
My sincere condolences go out to dear friend John and the entire Gardiner family. 节哀顺变
Steven Proctor and Family
Arenette and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences in the passing of Jack.
You and Jack were very, very special to Patricia and I. My heart goes out to you and your family. You have been so kind and generous in your care and support towards Jack over the years.
May you find comfort in this as Jack had to know he was well loved.
I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Karl Schwartz
Dear Arnette and family, we wish to offer our sincere sympathy on the death of Jack. He was one in a million. A kind, generous an one of the most good-hearted man. We loved being in his presence listening to his stories. Good bye to a dear man.
Karl Schwartz and Carol Payne
Chris McClure
Hearing Jack’s name makes a person want to smile. I have so many fond memories of the fun times we shared while working at St. Pat’s. Arnette, I hope that in time, happy memories will make you smile as well. My condolences to you and your family.
Kathy (Kelly) Causarano
Jack was always a beloved honorary member of the Kelly family! If he wasn’t teasing my mom, Madeline he was making my dad, Dan laugh at some of his stories. He was always threatening to bbq our cats! Visiting their house on Highbury Ave meant being sent out back to search for screws from old cars…the one with the most screws got a nickel.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing but I’m sure he’s back to teasing my mom and having a beer with my dad! Lots of love and prayers to Arnette and the rest of Jack’s family.
Nancy (Reymer) McVittie
My deepest condolences Arnette and family. Thinking of all of you at this time. I always enjoyed bantering with Jack. His sense of humour and laugh were legendary!!!
Marjorie Barton
Our condolences to Arnette and the entire Gardiner family-our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Marian Smibert, Marj. Barton and Earl Siegrist
Tom and Nora Groshok
Jack was a wonderful teacher and friend. He will be missed. God Bless him. Condolences to his family.
Tom and Nora Groshok
LARRY REGAN
Our deepest condolence Arnette and family. Larry and I have warm memories of time spent with Jack. He would tease us about our 11 year old Rambler, which we gave to him, he fixed, then drove it around for another five years. He was a special warm and loving person. Denyse Gervais Regan
Stan jaroszewski
I like express my deepest sympathy to the Gardiner family. I was taught by Jack for a number of years. I also helped him with chores on the farm. He taught me, that hard work was rewarding and make a better person of you. It definitely made a better person out of me. I will never forget his kindness patients.
Cheri (Dewan) Armitage
My condolences to the entire Gardiner family. I was fortunate to have Mr.G as my teacher for grade 6 & 7 at St Patrick’s school. He was the best teacher I’ve had! Every day was an adventure and there was never a dull moment in his class. Many fond memories come to mind, everything from little to no homework, having class dances any time we asked, loading up in the van and going to the store in Lucan and buying snacks for class, field trips to the plowing match, allowing us to sit up on the big window ledge during a history/geography lesson and the creative maps he would try and draw on the chalkboard!
Mr.G – always smiling, telling jokes, well respected, always wearing his suspenders, had nicknames for many (mine was mini mom- because he thought I looked like my mom.). He was a legend at St Pats, everyone wanted to be in his class! Rest in peace Mr.G
Shelley Malone
My sincere condolences go out to Arnette and the family. Jack truly was one in a million. His stories and antics always made everyone in the room stop, watch and listen, and laugh. He had a heart of gold with a winning personality. RIP Jack.
Sheila Brescia
Arnette: my deepest sympathy to you and the family. Jack was one of a kind. For many years he worked tirelessly assisting our OECTA social functions both in London and Toronto. We could always count on Jack for support and of course to provide us with endless humour and good will. Jack was loved by all and will be sorely missed.
Sheila Brescia
Nicole Czyz (Bulanda)
My condolences to the Gardiner family. Mr. Gardiner taught me in grade 6 at St. Pat’s in Lucan and definitely made a difference! As a teacher myself, I still can’t figure out how he managed to take the grade 6s in our class to the bell tower of St. Peter’s Basilica downtown London. Thankful to have this and many more memories of such an influential teacher 💕
Drew Orosz
Jack,
Thanks for helping us all to learn to not sweat the small stuff, and that laughter is the best medicine.
Condolences to the whole family.
Drew
Laurie Donnelly
I have many fond memories of Jack from my teaching days at St. Patrick’s School in Lucan. My sympathies to the family.
Gary Danner
My deepest condolences and sympathies to the entire Gardiner family. So very for your loss. I met Jack when I was involved with Scouting in Bryanston with John and Michael. Jack was one of the first people to help out and volunteer. And his infectious laugh could brighten any room. The world has lost a great man.
Wendy Anes Hirschegger
Dear Arnette,
I was so sorry to hear that Jack has passed away. My condolences and my thoughts are with you and your family at this very difficult time. May your memories of Jack help comfort all of you in the coming days.
Fred Sweeney
Our condolences to you Arnette & your family on Jack’s passing. Our paths first crossed at Blessed Sacrament elementary school & later during our high school years at CCH. Later I had the good fortune to have had Jack on the staffs of both St. Joseph’s & St. Mary’s schools where he enlightened the lives of his Special Education students as only Jack could do! His laughter & antics lit up the staff room & certainly lightened the mood. I’m sure many of his friends & colleagues on hearing of his passing are reminiscing with a ‘Jack’ story now. Heaven will not be the same with Jack there!
Diane Elston
Arnette and family,
We are sorry to hear of your family’s loss of Jack. He was a friendly man, with a huge personality and a great sense of humour who did many great things with his life.
He will be missed by many.
Diane Elston and Charles Pickel and family
Jack Foxworthy
Our deepest condolences to Arnette and family on Jack’s passing. He provided many of us CCH students with “in awe” moments with his uncanny football ability to run through a wall if necessary, to make a big play, or to score a touchdown!…..His laugh would light up a room!…and if you ever attended any of their parties on the farm north of Highbury back in the late ‘50’s, you would be guaranteed of a fun time!……RIP Jack……….Jack and Nancy
Monica Bowden (St. John)
My dearest friend Arnie,
You know how heartbroken I am for you and your family, As I sit here trying to put into words how I feel about the loss of my life.long friend and his undying love for you, tears are streaming down my face. Jack was an absolutely dedicated to you even though you didn’t always know it. Many years ago when you and had just started dating he asked me to walk hand in hand with him around the school just to make you jealous. He delighted in teasing me and making up names for me. He was the one who named me Pinky! He will be remembered for his wit, generosity and sense of humour. There isn’t enough room to tell all the stories about Jack and his old car without a windshield, how he put a block of wood under Rick’s gas pedal, how he installed a ceiling fan by hammering in the screws, it just goes on and on and I for one will miss him for those things he did. He teased his daughters relentlessly much to their chagrin, but they loved him dearly in spite of it. Although he wasn’t ready to go when he drove into the train and heaven didn’t want him yet, they finally opened the gates for him and we will all hear his laughter again. Rest in peace my friend Jack.
Bob& Barb Wonnacott
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He will be missed by many.
Mary Fran McNabb-Lutz
Rob my brother forwarded this news on to me. My sincere condolences to all the family. He was my godfather and I remember him always with a broad smile on his face. He touched so many lives in such a wonderful way. He had a real talent for lifting the spirits of others. A life well lived!!
Vince Bonduro
To Arnette and family my sincere condolences. I had the pleasure of teaching across the hall from Jack for 6 years. All the students loved Jack. We would play some practical jokes on one another. Jack loved life to the fullest and l could see him in heaven with a 🍺 making everyone around him laugh. RIP Jack
Bonnie Manders
To Arnette and the entire Gardiner Family – I was School Secretary when Jack taught Grade 6 & 7 at St. Patrick’s School, Lucan. There was never a dull moment when Jack was in the room. We had lots of laughs and fun. Jack will be missed by many. RIP Jack
Susan Cook
Dear Arnette, Cheryl, Kelly, Mike, John, Heather and families. Deepest condolences in the loss of Jack. He was definitely one of a kind!! I remember helping him coach gymnatics at St. Pat’s. He always had a way of putting a smile on everyone’s face and the only man I know who walked away after being hit by a train!!! He will be dearly missed by many but he has left so many memories. Sending lots of hugs and prayers to everyone.
Bill Eluchok, Welland
I remember Jack as someone who made life a little more interesting for me and other part-time students working summers at the Labatt brewery during the early 1960s, turning a dreary job into a laughable experience. As a Western student, I lived briefly on Yale Street, across from Arnette, who at the time was not quite Jack’s wife. However, Jack was suspicious of any male living within Arnette’s proximity, and showed it. Jack and I laughed about later at Labatt’s. My wife taught with Jack for a year or so at St. Pius and called him a superb entertainer.
Dan Hendriksen
Mr.”G” was always a great teacher both in school and/or working on his farm…he was not afraid to tell you how it was and give you a kick in the a$$ when you needed it….the world needs more teachers/ role models like him…Sorry to hear of his passing, his fun loving spirit will live on in all that had the pleasure of knowing him!
Tom & Mary Ann McLaughlin
Dear Gardiner Family
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He will be missed and remembered by so many families that he touched in years of teaching and sharing so many laughs. Always had a joke and a story to share. Loved that smile. RIP Mr. G.
Tom, Mary Ann McLaughlin & Family
Anne Hartman ( van Geleuken)
Dear Gardiner family,
I will remember Jack as being full of vigour, always in good humour, and a wonderful neighborhood presence. He will be missed. RIP Jack
Sue (Cardinal) Pountney
My family have been sharing our fond memories of Jack. The nicknames he gave us, his generosity, his humor. My heartfelt condolences to the Gardiner family
Wendy Clarke
Dear Margaret, Arnette and family,
Margaret, thanks very much for reaching out to Cathy to let us know of Jack’s passing. Spending many years in the Gardiner household with childhood best friend, Jane, Jack was always larger-than-life with his hearty laugh and fun demeanor. Mom remembers when Jack and Jerry came over to the white house, selling raffle tickets for school. I recall that Dad used to give Jack rides to High School. He will truly be missed by everyone he met. Wendy ( nee Bettridge ) and Martin Clarke
Roy & MJ van Kasteren
Dear Gardiner family,
Sorry to hear of your loss, Jack was definitely a person with presence!
He will be missed by all ! May your memories bring comfort to you in the days ahead!
Roy & Mary Jane van Kasteren
Lynne Gristey
A bright light in your family has been lost, remember the great times and the love you all shared together. Sorry for your loss.
Ross Spettigue
Jack Gardiner was one of the toughest football players to ever don the uniform of the Catholic Central Crusaders. I first became acquainted with Jack on the gridiron at Labatt Park as a South Lion gridder. It was not a pleasant experience for me as trying to tackle Jack was akin to tackling a fully loaded freight train. Jack was a much deserved London and District Conference All-Star. Jack and I became acquainted and friends at London Teachers’ College. Tough as Jack was on the gridiron, he was a caring man with a great sense of humour. Although I haven’t seen Jack these many years, I am saddened to learn of his passing. To Jack’s family, I offer my most sincere condolences on his passing. I do know that on the Heavenly team, Jack will be starting at fullback and be sharing stories with Coach Kennedy. God Bless.
Ross Spettigue,
Windsor, ON
Blake Neill
I met Jack just a couple times but he left a strong impression with his sense of humour and big personality. I have a fond memory of sitting on the back porch listening to stories of younger years on the farm. Sending my love and support to all the Gardiners, Jack is surely missed.
Beverley Fox
So sorry for your loss.
Shirley Kittmer
Annette, Cheryl, Kelly, John, Micheal, Heather and all your families, sorry to hear your news Jack was just a funny man. I hold some great memories and will treasure them for ever. Thanks for the memories Jack.
Shirley (Jones) Kittmer
Brian&Shelley Beacham
So very sorry to hear of your loss.
Joanna & Ron Granville
Our condolences to the whole family
Alex Westman
My sincere condolences to Cheryl and Reg and the family.
Judy Vermue
Lindsay and Family..
our Heartfelt condolences go out to and your Family .. Your Grandfather sounds like he lived a full and active life with the joys of a loving family to share it with!
Tom and Judy Vermue
Stephanie Shoebottom
I would not be where I am today with out the help of Jack. 23 years ago Jack drove (with my dad) and brought me out west.
Hopefully he and dad are now laughing together again.
My condolences
Linda Clifford
Arnette and family-so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Linda
Chris and Dave Moir
Deeply saddened with the news of Jack’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
There was never a dull moment when Jack was in the room.
Chris and Dave Moir
Mary(Vangeleuken) Hicks
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I remember Jack always having a positive attitude. Always smiling! His sense of humour was the best!
My condolences to the family.
Mary (vangeleuken) Hicks
John W Ziler
To Arnette and family I wish to express my sincerest condolences .We had many laughs with Jack at St.Pats and he always brightened up the room.
John Ziler
Bob & Marion Brady
Our deepest sympathy to Arnett & Family. Thinking of you Arnett & Remembering all the good old days & times we shared with you and Jack.
Sincerely with love.
Bob & Marion Brady
Beverly Harding
My sincere sympathy to all of Jack’s family he will be remembered with kindness and a smile truly one of a kind may he rest in peace
Tony Bangeleuken
So sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to the entire family. Fond memories of Jack growing up as neighbours around the corner- always a laugh and a smile. Tony Vangeleuken
Joan Loft
Jack will be so missed by all. He was definitely gone too soon.
My family and I always loved Jack’s sense of humour, especially when Jack would say “Pull my finger”.
I’m sure he is up in heaven now creating a ruckus and telling lots of funny stories. Jack will be happy to have a beer or a coffee. Hopefully it is on the menu up there in heaven.
We love you Jack. ❤️
PS…beware of trains
Lynn J Wick
Kelly
My deepest sympathies and condolences on the passing of your father.
Karen McKinley(Toonders)
Mr Gardiner was such a fun and joyous teacher that I will never forget!! He taught me in Gr.7 at St.Patricks Elementary in Lucan and it is true, you couldn’t help but have a smile on your face when he was around! My deepest condolence’s to his family.
Dr. Satish and Mrs. Usha Jacob
I never met Jack but kept up with the news about him through his extremely talented daughter and my special friend Cheryl. I am so impressed with his accomplishments. My condolences to his wife and everyone in the large family. Rest In Peace Mr. Gardiner. You did well.
Wendy Case
Dear, Arnette (Auntie Arn), Cheryl, Kelly, Mike, John and Heather and your families.
Our most sincere condolences to everyone of you at this sad time. As hard as it is, I am grateful that Jack will suffer no more. I have so many very special memories of times spent at your farm when we were growing up. Jack was simply the best! One of the funniest humans I have ever met in my life. I will keep those memories forever in my heart. I hope that you all will find peace in knowing what an amazing husband, father and grandfather you were blessed with. Sending huge hugs and lots of love to each of you as you grieve your loss. Much love, Wendy and Pete
Pete & Pat Van Geleuken
To Arnette & the Gardiner family-please accept Pete & I’s deepest condolences in your loss of Jack. We will always remember him emceeing our wedding celebration & having everyone in stitches! Also have memories of him being our daughters teacher at St.Pats ..and some funny moments there too! May he rest in the deepest peace.