Dec 27, 1954 - Dec 7, 2024
Peacefully, and surrounded by his loved ones, Alvin (Abbey) Gardiner passed away on December 7th, 2024, at the age of 69.
He is survived by his best friend and spouse of almost 50 years, Rosemary Louise Gardiner (nee Giroux), who he shared nearly 53 years of love and happiness with. Proud and loving father of Mandy Leigh Lemieux (Craig) and Tim Gardiner (Jaimie), and grandfather to his cherished grandchildren, Ashton, Ryan, and Jaxon Lemieux (children of Mandy and Andre Lemieux) and Jace and Jayla Gardiner (children of Tim and Tracy Gardiner).
Abbey was the first-born child of the late Robert and Valeda Gardiner, and dear brother to his six siblings, Cathy Gardiner (Pierre), Don Gardiner (Lucy), Cheryl Bellaire (Randy), Joanne Gardiner (Kenny), Maureen Gardiner, and Robert Gardiner (Tammy).
Abbey was much-loved by Rosemary’s brothers Pat Giroux (Audrey), Mark Giroux (Maxine) and Richard Giroux (Colleen), as well as many nieces and nephews from both the Gardiner and Giroux families. Rosemary’s parents, the late Bill and Joan Giroux, loved Abbey like a son.
Abbey is survived my numerous Aunts and Uncles, nieces and nephews and many cousins, who will all hold him forever in their hearts.
Abbey was a kind and loving man to all he encountered, and he was met with love and kindness in return. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A local Celebration of Life was held in Abbey’s honour on December 12, 2024, with an amazing turnout of family and friends, in spite of the poor weather conditions. Another Celebration of Life will be held in Mattawa, Abbey’s birthplace, where a piece of his heart has always been, and where a part of him will forever rest with his Mom and Dad. Details will be confirmed at a later date.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Sault Ste. Marie Davey Home who provided so much compassion and great care to Abbey and his family over the past year. The family would also like to thank the staff at the Sault Ste. Marie Indian Friendship Centre who were so incredible to Abbey over the past decade, when he participated in their much-valued programs.
In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make donations in Abbey’s name can do so by donating to the Sault Ste. Marie Indigenous Friendship Centre’s “Life Long Care Program”, where donations will be greatly appreciated by the family, and as surely by the community members that this incredible organization serves.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).