Aurora Sports Hall of Famer, restaurant owner, and family man David Gardner passed away at the age of 70 on March 19.
Gardner passed away peacefully at Southlake Regional Health Centre surrounded by his family. He had complications from a blood infection he had been facing, his brother, Paul Gardner, said.
David was a natural athlete and had a long professional hockey career, he said. He started playing at St. Michael's College and then in the Ontario Hockey League before eight successful seasons in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, and Philadelphia Flyers. He then moved to Switzerland where he continued to play and coach hockey.
In 2019, he was inducted to the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame along with son Ryan Gardner, who had followed in his dad's footsteps as a professional hockey player.
"Dave and Ryan Gardner made history as the first father-son duo to be honoured by the Aurora Sports Hall of Fame. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Gardner family during this difficult time. Dave was a cherished member of our Hall of Fame family, and we will remember him fondly and keep him in our thoughts and prayers," said Javed Khan, president of the hall of fame.
He said Gardner "had a remarkable career in hockey, playing in both the NHL and Europe. He was also a respected member of the business community and a devoted father and grandfather."
After hockey, Gardner began working for Molson and eventually transitioned into the restaurant business as an owner of Tom and Jerry's in Aurora.
Off the ice and outside of work, he was a husband, father, grandfather and brother.
Paul, who was three-and-a-half years younger, said growing up, big brother David always looked out for him.
"He quietly taught me lots about growing up and I think especially when it came time to play pro hockey, since he was already playing pro, he taught me lots and looked out for me and made sure I was doing the right thing," Paul said.
Paul also had a long career in hockey, playing the NHL for the Colorado Rockies, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals, and Buffalo Sabres and later coaching.
While hockey is what he was known for, Paul said he was happiest on the golf course and the brothers spent a lot of time together there.
"We played a lot a lot of rounds together, but he'd never never let me beat him. He was always a bit better," Paul said.
While David lived in Aurora and Paul is in Mississippi, the two remained close and kept in touch.
"We didn't see each other as much as we'd like but I think it was just a special bond between brothers. We just knew each other was good," he said.
Paul said he will remember his brother most for his athletic ability, but also for his sense of humour and how he was toward others.
"He was everybody's friend. I never saw him get very angry," he said.
After Gardner's passing, Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas offered his condolences on Facebook.
"Saddened to hear about the passing of Aurora Sports Hall of Fame member and former NHLer Dave Gardner. He will be missed dearly by former teammates and the entire Aurora community," he said.
Viewings are taking place at the Thompson Funeral Home in Aurora from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. today, March 23, and a funeral service will be held on Friday, March 24 at 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Aurora.
Gardner leaves behind wife Marion, brother Paul (Sherri), children Ryan (Christy), Jennifer (Josh) and Matt and grandchildren Eagan, Jada, Beckett and Eli.
