At Alexandra Marine & General Hospital in his 89th year. Survived by Lillian Bly, loving partner for 35+ years, daughter Sue (Jim) Leddy and son Steve (Lori) Gardiner all of Goderich. Also survived by 8 grandchildren; Nick (Victoria), Nathan (Brian), Liam, and Colin (Angie) Leddy and Alex, Austin (Jaden), Courtney and Carston Gardiner. Proud great grandfather of Avary, Jackson, and Dane Leddy.
Fondly remembered by brother Gary Gardiner, sisters-in-law-Stephanie (Ed), Irene (Josh), and Brothers-in-Law-John, Emile (Sue), Leon (Janet), Peter.
Predeceased by parents Ola and Hugh (Bud) Gardiner, brothers Jim and Ken Gardiner, sister Anne Clements, and infant grandson Samuel Leddy.
Maurice moved to Goderich in 1959 from Southampton to own and operate Gardiner’s Dairy. His entrepreneurial spirit led to numerous business ventures over the next 62 years, including Gardiner’s Real Estate, Gardiner’s Motel, taxi business, ice business, ice cream retail, storage, bulk milk transport, Gardiner’s Moving, Goderich Tire and Transport, mulch and warehousing. He was able to employ hundreds of local workers over the years. In later years Steve and sons, now 4th generation, assumed management of the businesses, Maurice was a fixture at the office desk always ready to sell a bag of ice at the best deal in town. He finally decided to fully retire in 2020.
Cremation has taken place and a private service will be held. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the caring and competent staff at AM&GH.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Goderich Legion, Heart and Stroke Foundation, or Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
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).
Gail Bettger-MacLeod
I was saddened to hear of Maurice’s passing. He was not only a Goderich icon, he was a great friend & support to us over many years. He was always the life of the party, and wouldn’t hesitate to give you the shirt off his back. My thoughts are with Lil & his family at this time.
Anne Miller
Lil, Sue, Steve, we are very sorry to hear of Maurice’s passing. When Leo heard this sad news he only had one thing to say, he looked up and said he was really going to miss his good buddy. RIP Maurice, you will truly be missed. Randy, Anne and Leo Miller
Tory Mcdono
Maurice Gardner is a legend. Yes in Goderich. But I think his influence flows further.
The last time I saw Maurice “in his chair” at the shop. I left feeling Mo looks pale. But regardless he never missed a beat in welcoming me and didn’t miss a beat when a mother customer came in to serve.
I lived beside Maurice and Lil for for 17 years. Best neighbors ever.
A funny story.,
Lil away with family. I was in shop talking to Mo and Mike. I wanted to go to Blue Rodeo at Goderich arena. I had no one to go with. Mo said I’ll go.
Perfect I’ll gather you at 8.
OMG… Mo comes down with polyester pants and everything that goes with them…,.I told him..” you’re not wearing that… it’s a rodeo! I
He went reeling back upstairs and he came back down… blue jeans and cowboy boots!
Anyway we had fun!
I have more memories of Lil and Mo living beside me. Not going to get into details… too many. Just thankful for the time I was there.
Maurice was my friend, broker, neighbor. Pallet suppler, winter tire guy, plow my lane(actually that would be Jim) dog sitter….
Quite frankly with Maurice it never ends!
And a great song for in his tribute would be Frank Sinatra “I did it My WAY!
John & Barb White
Our condolences to the Gardiner’s and Leddy family’s . We are sorry to hear of Maurice’s passing. John & Barb White
Dan Burns
Dear Sue, Steve and families,
Trudy and I extend our sincere sympathy to you and your families. Your father was a great man and always an enjoyable conversation when we met.
Raye & Dianne Armstrong
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Gardiner family at this very sad time.
Sharon Sanders
Lil and family. I am sorry to hear of Maurice’s passing. Keep your memories close to your heart.
Sharon Sanders
Sharon Sanders
Lil and family. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Keep your memories close to your heart.
Sharon Sanders
Scott Wark
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I always enjoyed seeing Maurice at our AGM’s and having a conversation with him. My condolences to the family.
Pattie Smith
Our condolences to all the families from all of us at Goderich Taxi and Delivery..
Randy Gaynor
My sincere condolences to the entire family.
Ken/Shirley Boyce
Sincere condolences to all the Gardiner family..Ken and Shirley
Suzanne Farrish
Steve, Lori, Sue, Jim and all of the Gardiner family-thinking of you at this sad and difficult time. Remember the good times and treasure the memories you all made together. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Sue and Jim
Dave & Sharon Chappell
Sincere Condolences To All The Family. Remembering The Good Old Days In Southampton At The Dairy.
Linda (Carter) & Aubrey Weir Weir
We are so sorry to hear about Maurices passing. Our deepest condolences to the whole family.
Linda Weir (cousin)
Jon Ginn
To the Gardiner family
Mickey and I send our condolences on the passing of Maurice. I always enjoy our talks over the years.
RIP Maurice
Stewart Steenstra
Please accept our condolences to the Gardiner family in the passing of Maurice. He was a man I looked up to as a
business man. He treated his customers with respect. Wishing comfort to all the Family! Stu & Pat Steenstra
Pat Johnston
to the family of Maurice
We were very saddened to read of your Dad/Grandpa’s passing, thinking of you at this sad time. May you find peace and comfort in the many memories that you have of him.
Pat Johnston & Bob Desjardins
Rob and Nancy Boyce
So sorry for your loss. Sounds like there are many great memories and stories. Our thoughts are with you all.
Jo-Anne Homan
Lil, Sue, Steve, Maurice was very special! He gave me my first job at the dairy when I was in high school. I worked for him for three and half years before I headed off to nursing school. I was terribly shy but working for Maurice got me over that hump. He was like the older brother I not have. He was up at 4AM bottling milk, driving the milk trucks, promoting events for Kinsmen, having fun etc. etc. Did I mention he really enjoyed life! He was always in super drive. His passing leaves a heavy sadness in many of our hearts. Jo-Anne
Jason and Sarah Rylaarsdam
We are very sorry to hear of Maurice’s passing. Condolences to your family.
Kim and Chad Munroe
So saddened to hear of Maurice’s passing.
Condolences to the family.
Tim Holmes
On behalf of the Ontario Milk Transport Association’s members, I want to offer our sincere condolences to the Gardiner family on the loss of Maurice. Always a gentleman, Maurice will be sorrily missed for his decades long contributions to the industry.
Tim Holmes
The Ontario Milk Transport Association
Clarence and Peggy Denomme
We will miss seeing Maurice as a regular at the shop. Our sympathy to all the family.
Dorothy Bourdeau
Maurice was one of the icons of Goderich. Deepest sympathies to Lil and the entire family. Art & Dorothy Bourdeau
David Million
My deepest sympathies to the Sue, Steve, Lil and your families. Maurice was a good man and did a lot for his community over the years. Always greeted everyone with a smile. He will be missed
Dave Million
Jim Mulhern
Our condolence to Maurice’s family.
Jim Mulhern
Rosanna Gautreau
My deepest condolences to the Gardiner family and Lil , He was a great man ,I managed the motel for 14 years there are so many memories RIP Maurice you will be missed ♥️
Donna and Jim Muir
Very sorry to hear Sue, Jim and family. Thinking of you and it is so hard losing your first parent. Hugs
Mike Masterson
What a life …. we should all be so lucky to have the passion and spirit that Maurice had and I’m am so proud to have been his Nephew. To Maurice…
Scott and Pauline Gardiner
My condolences to those feeling the loss of Uncle Maurice. He will remain in our memories forever.
Scott & Pauline
Phyllis Scott
Sincere condolences to the Gardiner families on the loss of a dear father, grandfather and friend . Treasure the memories. Sincerely, Phyllis
Hugh and Kim Burgsma
We’re sorry for your loss, Lil, Jim and Sue, Steve and Laurie. Always a great neighbour. Our sincere condolences to all.
Scott and Cathy Ryan
Steve, Sue and families we are so sorry to hear of Maurice’s passing. He has left a giant footprint in our town and will be missed by so many. Scott recalls Maurice telling him that if he could make a nickel off something, sell it! Hold tight to your memories and each other.
Scott and Cathy
Donny Rivers
I certainly couldn’t hold a candle to Maurice’s entrepreneurial spirit and real estate prowess. I had the privilege to be involved with Maurice in a couple of real estate transactions. He was a sharp negotiator and directed me on how to handle things. I will always appreciate the advice and insight into how you do business in a small town. RIP Maurice. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Dave, Becky McIvor
Sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to all. He was a great entrepreneur. Many of our relatives worked for Maurice over the years
Marlowe and Debbie Austin
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of an amazing father and Grandfather.
Harold and Dianne Leddy
Sorry to hear of the passing of Maurice, as Tina Turner would say
“simply the best” RIP my friend.
Harold and Dianne
MABEL CLARK
Condolences to you and your family Sue
Diana Glousher
Wow Maurice you are a legend that built the Gardiner Empire. A lot of hard work buy always a smile when we would meet. And new how to enjoy a great party back in the day . Your family and friends and work buddies will hold on to all your memories yest for now ❤
Catherine Lovett
The Lovett family is so sorry for the loss of your father/brother.
Nancy and Junior White
To all of the Gardiner family we extend our sincere sympathy at this sad time
Shirley Erb
To all of Maurices family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
ken and Sylvia McGee
To all of Maurices family.
I hardly know where to begin. I remember so well when Bud and Maurice landed in Goderich to start such busy careers.
Nobody ever worked any harder than Maurice. I can see him today throwing full milk cans up onto a truck bed- he was so strong!
All the wonderful years we shared as young men and wives in Kinsmen. We had so much fun together. Some of the exploits I just cannot put in print but will cherish forever! The Gardiner firm was also very good customers of mine and any deals were just made with a handshake. Hard work and hard play must have played a role in Maurice reaching such a grand age. Have a good rest Maurice- you deserve it.