Obituary of David Allister Gardiner~New Waterford

It is with shattered hearts that we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. David passed to his eternal reward on April 20, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Born in New Waterford April 12, 1950, he was the son of the late James and Katherine (nee Groves) Gardiner. Dave worked numerous jobs underground during the course of his lifetime including Flin Flon, Manitoba; and Bathurst, New Brunswick until finally he came home to New Waterford, where his heart was, to work for Devco in both Phalen and Lingan Mines as well as a short time in Prince Colliery. Dave also served an active role in his community with volunteer work as a member of the Lion’s club; a member of Calvin Senior choir and visiting and reading to patients at  New Waterford’s Maple Hill Manor.  As a member of the Lion’s club he held the position of President, (1993-94), and Secretary, (1988-90). He was awarded Lion of the Year 1989-90 and received the Best Secretary Runner Up for District 41N2 1988-89. Dave also enjoyed a good game of cards, darts, and pool.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 30 years Shirley (nee Crane); daughters, Doris and her children Kyle and Krista, Oshawa, Ont.; Jennifer (John McNeil) and their children Elizabeth and Christopher, New Victoria; Stephanie (Kelly Enslen) and their boys Joshua and Ashton, Medicine Hat, Alberta; Danielle (Craig Bond) and their boys Elliot and Lucas, Valley, Nova Scotia; his son, David (Janaia MacCormick), New Waterford. He is also survived by his sister Lynn, San Carlos, California; sister-in-law Patricia, Lingan; and nephews Raymond (Liz Martin), Halifax and Sean, Lingan. Dave is also survived by a special cousin, James Herbert, New Waterford.  Also surviving are his in-laws Willie and Marilyn "Toni" Crane, and a large extended family.

Besides family Dave is survived by some very special friends who were family to him including: Kevin and Clara Kearney, their daughter Amilyn (his adopted niece); and her girls, Anika, Lily and Maia. Terry and Roddie Mitchell and their family, Robert (Robyn) and their children; and Adam (Paula) and their children; and friends Nellie and Ken Biggers as well as his choir family at Calvin United Church.

Besides his parents Dave was also predeceased by brothers, John, Raymond, Christopher and his sister, Dora.

Visitation will be held on today, Monday, April 23, 2018, from 2-4, and 7-9pm, in the

V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford.

The funeral service, officiated by Rev. Duncan Roach will be celebrated 11am Tuesday, at Calvin United Church, Hudson Street, New Waterford. All are invited to join Dave’s family at a reception in St. Leonard’s Parish Hall, Convent Street, New Waterford.

 

The family would like to extend thanks to: Dr. Kodadad, clinic nurse Eleanor, Palliative care nurse Wendy, Dr. Ritter and Nurse Practitioner Claudette Taylor, Chemo Room Nurses, the VON, and the Nursing staff of the New Waterford Hospital. A very special thank-you to Dr. Crosby, Palliative Care nurses Heather, Holly, and Clinic Lead New Waterford Hospital Susan for their support and swiftness in getting Dave home, fulfilling his final wish. Also, a very special note of thanks to Dr. John Rogers for your constant care and compassion.

Dave lost his fight with cancer 15 months after his diagnosis but fought with great courage, strength and dignity.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the Patient Care Fund at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County, the VON or Calvin United Church Memorial Fund.

Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca

On behalf of his four youngest children, his daughter Stephanie writes, “This man was one of the greats, he has always worked so hard for his family over the years and always encouraged and pushed us to achieve our personal best; supporting us all as we chased our dreams. He is one of the strongest fighters and caring men we know and we are so lucky to have had him as our dad.”

 In the quiet of a moment - I’ll sit and think of you

I’ll open up my memories - Of the things we used to  do.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           And I’ll engrave each one of them - Deep within my heart 

There they’ll stay a treasure.

And each and every moment That I need you here with me

I’ll open up that  treasure Buried deep inside of me 

And thank God for the memories that will always be a part 

Of the gift of love you freely gave - From your gentle, caring heart.”                                                                                          

All my love always: ---Shirley.