Roger Gardiner
Death Notice
GARDINER, Roger Frederick - Died peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 in his 84th year. Roger approached death in the same way he approached life, with courage and love. He is survived by his loving wife Margaret and affectionately remembered by family and friends near and in countries across the world. Roger taught high school for six years before becoming an academic librarian in 1967 at The University of Western Ontario where he developed collections to support research and study in areas of medieval history, classical studies, visual arts and art history. A private graveside funeral service will be conducted at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. A memorial service to celebrate Roger’s life will be arranged later. Details to be announced. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Condolences
Hans and Mariane Hossfeld
July 4, 2020, 8:03 am
Dear Margaret, our sincere sympathy on the passing of your husband Roger. Although we did not know him well we heard many wonderful things about him through our parents Alex and Gertrud Hossfeld. Roger was fondly and well regarded in their community of ‘oriental rugs’. His expertise will be greatly missed.
Nancy Quinn, on behalf of JASNA's London Chapter
July 4, 2020, 2:03 pm
Our sincere condolences to Margaret and to Roger’s family and friends, from friends at the London Chapter of JASNA. The Jane Austen Society will miss Roger’s enthusiastic involvement. He was a scholar and a gentleman - his thoughtful inquiries, after speaker presentations always enriched our discussions. Always interested in everyone and everything around him, he was a skilled conversationalist, which he engaged in to everyone’s mutual delight at our afternoon teas. He will be missed and we will be sure to raise our cups in a celebratory toast to his memory, when next we are able to meet.
John and Perry Clouston
July 6, 2020, 8:27 am
Dear Margaret: We were sorry to learn of Rogers passing, and extend sincere condolences.
Catherine Morrisey
July 6, 2020, 10:25 am
Dear Margaret, My deepest condolences on your loss of Roger. We always loved his visits at Weldon Library. He radiated such joyful wonder and interest in everything going on... ideas, books, music, art. He always had something of value to contribute. There are treasures in the collection including the unique art catalogues that Roger collected and researchers appreciate.
Catherine Steeves
July 6, 2020, 10:44 am
Sending my deepest condolences to the Gardiner family and all who will feel his absence deeply. His service to Western Libraries and the University will always be remembered.
Carol Cote
July 6, 2020, 3:01 pm
Read this with sadness but a smile as I remember Roger handing me the yellow slips to place an order for a new journal in one of his subject areas. How he loved his exotic rugs& sharing his expertise. My sincere condolences Margaret.
Jerry Mulcahy
July 6, 2020, 3:55 pm
I was fortunate to be able to work with Roger (and Margaret, as well). I had an office next to his and he often wandered in to share his many enthusiasms which served to display his expertise and erudition about many things. He was a valuable resource for the libraries and his contributions will continue to be of value to those who come to Western to study in the areas related to the Classics and the Arts.
Barry Arnott and Sue Larke
July 7, 2020, 8:52 am
With sincere condolences. Barry and Sue
Eeva Munoz
July 7, 2020, 2:40 pm
Dear Margaret. My deepest condolences. I have many fond memories of Roger, his wit, his enthusiasm and knowledge of many things related to art. He will be remembered.
Raj Jain
July 9, 2020, 3:43 pm
Dear Margaret, So sorry to hear about Roger. I met him in December at the Christmas party and he mentioned about you being at your sisters place. I was so sorry to hear about your sister. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time, Raj
Nancy Warren
July 11, 2020, 7:29 pm
Roger brought his academic expertise and broad range of knowledge in art and architecture, classical and medieval studies to his role as Collections Librarian. His ebullient enthusiasm for sharing his discoveries often overspilled into the more sedate environments of both Cataloguing and Acquisitions departments, where any such disruptions were frowned upon by those who ironically failed to appreciate the substance behind the materials they had a hand in processing. Through consultation with Roger in my role as professional Cataloguer with overall responsibility for his incoming orders, and later as Collections Librarian responsiblity for other portfolios in the Collections Department, it was my privilege to gain appreciation for the man, and to realize fully what an asset he was to the Libraries.
Robin Keirstead
July 14, 2020, 9:19 am
Dear Margaret, I was saddened to learn of Rogers passing. I vividly recall our first meeting, shortly after I arrived at Western, when he welcomed me enthusiastically and offered to help me in any way he could in setting up the new archives. I soon learned how valuable that offer was, as he helped me learn about the history of Western, most notably its various crests and arms (some of which, he pointed out, did not comply with the rules of heraldry). I continued to use his "cheat sheet" on the history of the first Western University crest for many years. After he retired I enjoyed seeing him and chatting at many library events. His passion and precision were and will continue to be missed. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
George and Bonnie Keeler
July 14, 2020, 7:00 pm
Margaret we will always remember Roger and those days at Western and bean soup night at Ritchies.
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