Graham Gardner

Graham Lyle Findlay Gardner was born in Peace River on January 15, 1980, to parents Elizabeth Lyle and Gordon Gardner. The youngest of the family, the only boy, the biggest butterball, and the most spoiled. Inquisitive, mischievous, and happy from a young age, he made friends easily and quickly. 

For whatever reason, he was never a huge fan of school. However, he never turned down a dare, or an opportunity to go exploring (often during school hours), and weirdly competitive when it came to eating jalapenos.  

Over the years he has worked for CEDA, Eveready, DFI, Public Works in Berwyn, Peace River Logging, and MSS. While spending time in Ontario, he met Heather Fawcett. They eventually migrated back west, first to Grande Prairie where Grady was born, then to Berwyn where they settled down and had Rylee. His kids were the most important thing in the world to him. He was extremely proud of every one of their accomplishments. Graham and Heather were together for 16 years. 

Graham spent some time in the Yukon, doing some gold mining. He never hit the motherlode but spoke often about how much he enjoyed the experience. Not a religious guy - the great outdoors was his sanctuary. Sitting around a firepit with friends, having a couple beers, and playing with everyone’s dogs was his church. He was never without a dog, and we find comfort knowing that wherever he is, he is surrounded by every one of them that has crossed the rainbow bridge. And probably a few extra, because they heard good things. 

Graham and Jennie were friends in school and reconnected about 2 years ago. They have been inseparable ever since.  

Graham was famous for his smartass remarks, accompanied with a Cheshire cat grin. He was a hard worker to a fault. He was stubborn and loyal, a real manly man, but had no troubles playing princesses with Rylee when she was younger. He was always up for helping a friend (or a stranger, for that matter), but sadly, didn’t realize how much he needed help himself. So many things left unsaid. This loss is devastating and so heart-breaking to those close to him, and some time is needed to process. 

Graham is survived by parents Elizabeth Lyle and Gordon Gardner (Irene), sisters Heather Staicesku (Ken) and Holly Gardner, children Grady and Rylee (and their mother Heather Fawcett), fiancé Jennie Hargrave, Andrew Gardner, Pam and Martin Gour, and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins across the country. 

There will be a viewing at the Peace Valley Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 4 from 1-3. The family will be planning something to properly honour Graham towards the end of August or early September. We are also in the process of setting up a trust for the kids. In the meantime, go outside if you can, maybe listen to some Beastie Boys, have a pop or two, and say those things you wanted to. 

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