Terry Gardiner

George Terrence (Terry) Gardiner

It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our loving husband, Dad, and Poppa, Terry, on January 9, 2025, in Yuma, Arizona.

Terry was predeceased by his parents, George and Pearl Gardiner and his in-laws, Harry and Jean Monk. He will be deeply missed by his wife Pam, daughter, Krista and son-in-law Nathan, grandson Harrison, granddaughter, Mila and grandson, Nash, granddaughter Sofia (Mary), granddaughter Roxanna (Tiffany), as well as numerous loving family and friends.

Terry was born on July 28,1949 in Winnipeg and spent his childhood growing up in Brooklands. He cherished memories of summers spent at Grand Beach working for his parents, who owned Playland and Funland. He purchased his first motorcycle with earnings from his summer working at the business. Terry was passionate about music and as a young teenager took an interest in drumming. He fondly recalled the fun that he had playing in local garage bands. He never lost his passion for drumming, as he was often seen air drumming to songs. He owned three sets of drums and enjoyed playing them.

Terry and Pam built their dream home in Lockport in 1989. Terry loved his home and each summer would enjoy tinkering in his garage, enjoying time in the yard and on his deck and tending to his vegetable gardens.

Terry was employed as a semi-truck driver for Safeway before joining the St. James Fire Department in 1971. He continued his career with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service following amalgamation, serving the Winnipeg community for 43 years. Terry wore his uniform with great pride and was well respected amongst his colleagues. While acting in the position of Assistant Deputy Chief, a position that he much enjoyed, Terry was forced to take a leave from work, due to a health condition, and ultimately retired in 2014.

For 15 years Terry battled significant health issues. He faced each with great courage, patience and perseverance. He worked hard to do the best he could to manage all of his chronic illnesses. He rebounded on several occasions from serious setbacks with a positive attitude and much inner strength. He was extremely grateful for the exceptional medical care and ongoing support he received from his family doctor, Dr. Brian Lindenschmidt, Neurologist, Dr. Atheer Al-Kaabi, Respirologist, Dr. Claire Ramsey, Cardiologist, Dr. John Dukas, Endocrinologist, Dr. Josef Silha, and his diabetes education nurse, Sandy Koropas, as well as for the medical teams that provided outstanding care for him during hospitalizations.

Terry worked at various part-time jobs throughout his career and approached a new opportunity with enthusiasm. He particularly enjoyed his work as a publishers’ representative with Kirkness Press and Marshall Cavendish, a position he held for many years, selling reference material to schools and public libraries in Manitoba and N/W Ontario. He embraced technology, keeping current as technology evolved. He much enjoyed producing media presentations for special events for family and friends. He spent much time working on projects and programs on his laptop as well as his iPhone.

Terry was an entrepreneur at heart. He loved to research products or ideas emerging in the market and he worked at introducing a number of products and ideas in Manitoba. In the mid 1990’s, Terry and his business partner introduced plush crane machines into Canada and created Canadian Toys Vending. Terry successfully established, owned and managed over 200 crane machines in Manitoba and N/W Ontario. He much enjoyed operating this business for a number of years.

Following the passing of his father-in-law, Terry became involved in the operation of the family business, College Electric Ltd. He enjoyed this opportunity, especially with his interest in marketing. He supported Pam in the management of the business until its sale in 2019.

Terry’s kind nature extended to all animals and he was especially fond of his German Shepherds, Sasha and Diva and his cat Sylvestor, all of whom predeceased him.

Terry’s passion for motorcycling continued throughout his life. He and Pam purchased a Harley Davidson Sportster in the 1990’s, graduating to an Ultra Glide and ultimately a Trike in 2016. Terry and Pam were members of the Harley Davidson HOG groups in Winnipeg and Yuma for several years and developed close friendships with other riders during this time. Terry and Pam enjoyed riding many miles on numerous motorcycle trips throughout Canada and the U.S.A. including Route 66, Key West Florida, Montreal, the Black Hills, Arizona and more.

Terry and Pam were fortunate to travel extensively to many places including Hawaii, Tobago, Europe, Great Britain and Ireland. In 2004, they travelled to Scotland with Terry’s and Pam’s parents to visit Terry’s father’s birthplace in Tiliicoultry, and Pam’s Mum’s birthplace in Tibbermore. It was a trip of a lifetime. In 2018, Terry and Pam travelled to England on a Rock and Roll tour with local music author and historian, John Einarson. A special bond formed with members of this tour group calling themselves BIG (British Invasion Group) for fun. Terry and Pam enjoyed regular gatherings with these friends, to play and sing the old Rock and Roll songs.

In July 2024 , Terry and Pam much enjoyed a cruise to Alaska. In October 2024, they again toured with John Einarson, this time to Nashville and Memphis. Terry was able to fulfill his lifelong dream to visit Graceland, the home of his idol, Elvis Presley.

In 2011, Terry and Pam purchased a winter home in Yuma, Arizona, it was Terry’s happy place and he was most content there. Here, he enjoyed the sunshine, the good company of close friends, riding his Trike, sightseeing, attending local events and numerous musical performances.

Terry was a person of integrity with a generous heart and a great sense of humour. He was Pam’s soulmate and an incredibly devoted husband. Together, they overcame many challenges, managing through difficult times with great resolve. They made a great team and always remained each other’s best friend. The pride of Terry’s life was Krista, whom he loved dearly. Her well being and happiness was always his priority. He was a very loving Poppa, cherishing time spent with his grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart. He will be forever loved and missed.

Pam, Krista, Nathan and family are very grateful for our family and friends who have surrounded us with much love and support at this very sad time and who share in our grief.

A private service to honour Terry is planned for a future date.

For those wishing to do so, donations in Terry’s name may be made to the Firefighters Burn Fund, Canadian Diabetes Association, Winnipeg Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Terry Gardiner, please visit our floral store.