Charles William "Chuck" Gardiner passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness and surrounded by his family at the Hanover Care Centre on Thursday, June 7, 2018.  He was in his 91st year.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Doreen (nee Adler), four children, John (Carol) of Wallaceburg, Brenda Murray (Mike Pyne) of Hanover, Brian (Sue) of Brantford and JoAnne Van Horne (Bruce) of Sioux Lookout, one sister, Frances Stewart of Hanover, nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.  He will also be missed by his entire extended family. 

Predeceased by his parents, Francis and Mabel Gardiner, brothers Raymond Gardiner (DFC) and Alfred Gardiner and sisters Violet Wagner, Nora Pascuzzo, and Elsie Setley. 

Chuck was a kind, compassionate, and gentle man who could almost always brighten the days of those who surrounded him in life.  He started his working life at the age of 13 at the Hanover Dairy and retired from Canada Customs at the age of 63, after a 32 year career with Customs.  He spent his whole life in Hanover and was extremely proud of his home town.  He took part in a variety of community events over the years, including acting as MC for Hanover's Canada Day festivities for many years.  Throughout the 1950's, 60's, and 70's, he was a champion 5-pin bowler throughout the area, winning large numbers of awards and trophies, culminating in a trip to the Canadian championships in the early 1960's.  In his later years, he participated in swing bowling and carpet bowling and was a frequent competitor at the Ontario Senior Games, along with his wife Doreen.  When he was in his early thirties, Chuck taught himself how to play the harmonica, and before long was performing throughout the Hanover area in hotels, and at parties and dances, usually with his good friend, Johnny Schule.  His yodelling was legendary throughout the area, as was his love of the "old" country music.  It was through his singing and playing that Chuck will mostly be remembered.  For most of the last 35 years of his life, he entertained mainly shut-ins and seniors and was always trying to bring a smile to the faces of people who were in distress.  Even into his mid-eighties, he would comment about how much he enjoyed playing for the "old people".  He was also extremely active in the area's country and western jamboree scene, always happy to get up and play a few tunes for the jamboree crowd.  He and Doreen developed many great friendships and made many wonderful acquaintances in the jamboree community.  The greatest love of Chuck's life, though, was his family.  He spent a lifetime caring for his immediate and extended families.  He was always there for everyone, offering advice and support and anything else he could.  His marriage to Doreen was a love affair that lasted 66 years, and could be seen in the way they cared for one another no matter what the situation. 

He will be greatly missed by many people, and that is a testament of a life well lived.  He will surely dwell with the angels. 

Visitation at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Sunday, June 10, 2018, from 2-5 p.m., where a Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 11, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.   Rev. Bonnie Sutherland officiating.  Interment in Hanover Cemetery, Hanover.

Memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society or a charity of your choice are appreciated as expressions of sympathy.