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GARDINER: Maurice Alexander

Posted By On September 21, 2021 @ 12:00 AM In Goderich, Obituary | 44 Comments

GARDINER: Maurice Alexander

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.


Condolences for the family of “GARDINER: Maurice Alexander”

Condolence from ken and Sylvia McGee on September 23rd, 2021 3:13 PM

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.

Condolence from Shirley Erb on September 23rd, 2021 4:55 PM

To all of Maurices family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Condolence from Nancy and Junior White on September 23rd, 2021 4:57 PM

To all of the Gardiner family we extend our sincere sympathy at this sad time

Condolence from Catherine Lovett on September 23rd, 2021 6:10 PM

The Lovett family is so sorry for the loss of your father/brother.

Condolence from Diana Glousher on September 23rd, 2021 8:40 PM

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 ❤

Condolence from MABEL CLARK on September 23rd, 2021 9:12 PM

Condolences to you and your family Sue

Condolence from Harold and Dianne Leddy on September 23rd, 2021 10:41 PM

Sorry to hear of the passing of Maurice, as Tina Turner would say
“simply the best” RIP my friend.

Harold and Dianne

Condolence from Marlowe and Debbie Austin on September 24th, 2021 12:16 AM

Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of an amazing father and Grandfather.

Condolence from Dave, Becky McIvor on September 24th, 2021 12:23 AM

Sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to all. He was a great entrepreneur. Many of our relatives worked for Maurice over the years

Condolence from Donny Rivers on September 24th, 2021 12:29 AM

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.

Condolence from Scott and Cathy Ryan on September 24th, 2021 12:43 AM

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

Condolence from Hugh and Kim Burgsma on September 24th, 2021 12:52 AM

We’re sorry for your loss, Lil, Jim and Sue, Steve and Laurie. Always a great neighbour. Our sincere condolences to all.

Condolence from Phyllis Scott on September 24th, 2021 1:17 AM

Sincere condolences to the Gardiner families on the loss of a dear father, grandfather and friend . Treasure the memories. Sincerely, Phyllis

Condolence from Scott and Pauline Gardiner on September 24th, 2021 1:40 AM

My condolences to those feeling the loss of Uncle Maurice. He will remain in our memories forever.
Scott & Pauline

Condolence from Mike Masterson on September 24th, 2021 1:45 AM

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…

Condolence from Donna and Jim Muir on September 24th, 2021 10:45 AM

Very sorry to hear Sue, Jim and family. Thinking of you and it is so hard losing your first parent. Hugs

Condolence from Rosanna Gautreau on September 24th, 2021 11:39 AM

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 ♥️

Condolence from Jim Mulhern on September 24th, 2021 12:17 PM

Our condolence to Maurice’s family.

Jim Mulhern

Condolence from David Million on September 24th, 2021 1:01 PM

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

Condolence from Dorothy Bourdeau on September 24th, 2021 1:35 PM

Maurice was one of the icons of Goderich. Deepest sympathies to Lil and the entire family. Art & Dorothy Bourdeau

Condolence from Clarence and Peggy Denomme on September 24th, 2021 1:41 PM

We will miss seeing Maurice as a regular at the shop. Our sympathy to all the family.

Condolence from Tim Holmes on September 24th, 2021 1:51 PM

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

Condolence from Kim and Chad Munroe on September 24th, 2021 5:29 PM

So saddened to hear of Maurice’s passing.
Condolences to the family.

Condolence from Jason and Sarah Rylaarsdam on September 24th, 2021 8:02 PM

We are very sorry to hear of Maurice’s passing. Condolences to your family.

Condolence from Jo-Anne Homan on September 24th, 2021 9:36 PM

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

Condolence from Rob and Nancy Boyce on September 24th, 2021 11:54 PM

So sorry for your loss. Sounds like there are many great memories and stories. Our thoughts are with you all.

Condolence from Pat Johnston on September 25th, 2021 4:08 AM

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

Condolence from Stewart Steenstra on September 25th, 2021 11:18 AM

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

Condolence from Jon Ginn on September 25th, 2021 11:32 AM

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

Condolence from Linda (Carter) & Aubrey Weir Weir on September 25th, 2021 1:08 PM

We are so sorry to hear about Maurices passing. Our deepest condolences to the whole family.

Linda Weir (cousin)

Condolence from Dave & Sharon Chappell on September 25th, 2021 3:15 PM

Sincere Condolences To All The Family. Remembering The Good Old Days In Southampton At The Dairy.

Condolence from Suzanne Farrish on September 25th, 2021 7:37 PM

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

Condolence from Ken/Shirley Boyce on September 25th, 2021 11:31 PM

Sincere condolences to all the Gardiner family..Ken and Shirley

Condolence from Randy Gaynor on September 25th, 2021 11:49 PM

My sincere condolences to the entire family.

Condolence from Pattie Smith on September 26th, 2021 6:29 PM

Our condolences to all the families from all of us at Goderich Taxi and Delivery..

Condolence from Scott Wark on September 27th, 2021 11:27 AM

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.

Condolence from Sharon Sanders on September 27th, 2021 6:21 PM

Lil and family. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Keep your memories close to your heart.
Sharon Sanders

Condolence from Sharon Sanders on September 29th, 2021 5:26 PM

Lil and family. I am sorry to hear of Maurice’s passing. Keep your memories close to your heart.
Sharon Sanders

Condolence from Raye & Dianne Armstrong on September 30th, 2021 9:05 PM

Our deepest sympathy to the entire Gardiner family at this very sad time.

Condolence from Dan Burns on October 2nd, 2021 3:35 PM

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.

Condolence from John & Barb White on October 4th, 2021 3:49 PM

Our condolences to the Gardiner’s and Leddy family’s . We are sorry to hear of Maurice’s passing. John & Barb White

Condolence from Tory Mcdono on October 6th, 2021 5:29 AM

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!

Condolence from Anne Miller on October 14th, 2021 12:09 AM

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

Condolence from Gail Bettger-MacLeod on October 21st, 2021 5:02 PM

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.

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