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Leonie Simone Gardner (nee Bloxidge)

September 25, 2017

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Leonie Simone (Bloxidge) Gardner

February 16, 1944 - September 25, 2017

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Leonie Simone (Bloxidge) Gardner on September 25, 2017 and of her husband Barry Meopham Gardner, who pre-deceased her on June 26, 2017. They are joined together once again, after 47 years of marriage.  

On Leonie's side, they are survived by Leonie's sister Diana Jean Wheeldon,  their nephews/niece  Jason Wheeldon of Cranbrook,  Simon Wheeldon of Nelson BC and Karen Morea of Lake Stevens, Washington , grandnieces & nephews, Brooke &  Courtney Wheeldon,  Jenna, Emma, & Adam Wheeldon and Jen, Tyler and Justin Morea.

Barry was the son of Noel Clement Gardner & Mona (Baldwin) Gardner and is survived by cousins throughout Western Canada.  

Barry and Leonie met in Calgary, where the Gardner family had a long history and deep roots tracing back to the original days of the Calgary Stampede.

The son of Noel Clement Gardner & Mona Catteral (Baldwin) Gardner, Barry was born September 12 1939 in Calgary. He graduated from the University of Oregon and enjoyed a long career as an economist with the Federal Government's Department of Transport.

He also loved the mountains, was a keen cyclist and an avid photographer.  The Gardner family had deep roots  within the Calgary Stampede with Barry's Grandfather Clement Gardner being one of the first entrants into Calgary Stampede in 1912.

Leonie Simone Gardner was born February 16th, 1944 in Birmingham England and came to Canada in 1967.  

Leonie had a long and varied career in theatre -  in England and the US, in Ottawa, Cranbrook and most recently Nanaimo. A professor of acting and voice at the University of Ottawa, she worked across Canada as an actress on stage, in film and for television, and had over 50 directing credits to her name.   She had a great love for the Ottawa Little Theatre and was involved in over 20 productions from 1974 to 1989. 

After retiring she remained active in the theatre community and served as a Board member of TheatreOne in Nanaimo for a number of years.

Leonie and Barry were the best of friends throughout their long life together and their love for each other was undeniable.  

They were as dedicated to each other as they were to their professions and the arts.   

A Celebration of Life will be held for both Barry and Leonie on October 27th from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Nanaimo Golf Club, Nanaimo.

In lieu of flowers donations are being accepted at the Nanaimo SPCA as a memorial tribute to both Barry and Leonie.



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