Ernie Gardner

1933 - 2021

David Ernest Gardner, beloved husband of Ella Mae Gardner, passed away in Calgary on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 following a brave battle with cancer at the age of 87 years.

Besides his loving wife Ella Mae of Calgary, Ernie is survived by their children Dianne (Richard) of Calgary, Robert (Natalie) of Calgary, Susanne (Kendall) of Phoenix, Arizona, Jerry (Linda) of Okotoks; daughter-in-law Robin Gemer of Lethbridge; Harriet Aleck (foster daughter for nine years); twelve grandchildren and twenty six great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his infant son Ernest Lynn, parents David and Annie, sister Ivy (Ed) Sehn, brother Glen (Lona) Gardner, sisters-in-law Karyle Hill Gardner and Joanne Williams, brothers-in-law Garth and Keith Palmer and by several nieces and nephews.

Ernie was born in Taber where he lived most of his life except for brief moves while working for the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) before he got married. Ernie left their acreage on White Ash Road with Ella Mae to move to Calgary in June of 2014 so they could be closer to family.

Ernie worked for AGT/Telus for most of his working years. After taking an early retirement, he found he prefered to be busy and so he worked through a few campaigns at the Sugar Factory.

Ernie was a hard worker who believed if you had a job to do, it should be done to perfection. He loved planting and caring for a garden and took pride in it and his yard. Ernie built three of their homes in Taber. He was always so willing to use his skills to help others.

Ernie served in many church callings but his favourite was serving in the nursery with Ella Mae. He loved teaching those nursery kids and still stayed in contact with many of them through the years.

He also loved traveling as a family and later with Ella Mae as they adventured to many destinations. He was always popular on the beaches as he carried pockets full of change to give to the children selling art and trinkets. In recent years, they enjoyed cruises with family.

Ernie was not a "sit in your rocking chair Grandpa". He went on bike rides, hikes and treasure hunts with them. He tried to never miss their birthday celebrations, school plays, dance recitals, and church service presentations.

A private burial service was held at the Taber Memorial Garden on Friday, July 9, 2021.

Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at the church prior to the funeral service on Saturday, July 10, 2021 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:40 A.M.

The funeral service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 11:00 A.M.

One of Ernie's favourite charities was Toy Mountain, as he didn't want any child to not find a toy under the tree at Christmas. His family members will be continuing this tradition in memory of him. We would love to have any friends participate at Christmas by donating a toy or monetary gift directly to this charity. Should you wish to participate, your donation may be made directly to The Salvation Army, National Processing Center, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4W5. Please indicated that the donation is specifically intended for their Toy Mountain Campaign.