Our hearts are filled with sadness as we announce the sudden passing of our fun-loving, talented and charismatic Dad, Pops, and Pappy, Mel Gardner on Monday, June 7th, 2021 at the age of 88. Mel was married to his beloved wife, the late Irene Gardner (nee Stewart) on September 1st, 1952, and is survived by his three children, Murray (Debbie Mosher), Brian (Susan Gardner, (nee Lamarche)) and Scott (Lynda Larocque). Mel will also be forever loved and missed by his grandchildren: Jessica Gardner (Fernando Vera) of Toronto; Jamie Gardner-Chubak (Andrew Chubak), Lee Gardner (Nancy Sinclair), Troy Gardner (Brittany Stewart); Benjamin and Elliott Gardner, and Martine Larouche; and his great-grandchildren: Christian and Mia Vera; Charlie, Alice, and Leo Chubak; Ella Grace, Alexander, Laleah, Annabel Gardner and predeceased by Maggie and Patrick Gardner.
Melvin Arthur was born on August 23rd,1932 to the late Dora (nee Villeneuve) and David Gardner. He was predeceased by his nine siblings: Irene Bedard, Eugene, Violet, Nelson, Ronald, Ernest, Donald, Dorothy, and John.

Mel was cherished in the Ottawa Valley as a dedicated musician and entertainer. He began playing with local bands at the age of 14 and was widely known as the head of the Valley Rhythm Pals and in his later years, Mel Gardner and Friends. Mel was a long-time volunteer at many of the local seniors’ homes, playing and singing the country classics, telling jokes and bringing smiles to faces of all ages. Mel also had a talent for knowing what songs would please the crowd and getting people in the mood to dance. He was a mentor for many up and coming musicians including his granddaughter, Jamie, who spent many years learning from and later entertaining with her beloved ‘Pap’

Besides music, Mel was an avid horseshoe player and ceramicist. Mel and Irene ran a home ceramics business for over 20 years and took part in many local craft shows. Together, they enjoyed summers travelling and camping with their trailer and also attended fiddling and step dancing competitions around Ontario and Quebec, with their granddaughter, Jamie. Mel and Irene were dedicated volunteers at Riverside Park during Fiddle Week and also began the long-running Fiddle Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
Together, Mel and Irene spent many years helping to care for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was of the utmost importance to Mel and he thoroughly enjoyed his 33 years of retirement after a 42-year career as a lithographer at the Canadian Splint and Eddy Match. Mel would often say how fortunate he was to have had so many wonderful and healthful years together with Irene, and was glad that he retired when he did.

Mel’s big smile, strong voice and playful laughter brought life to homes, parties, dance halls, bus trips, campsites, churches, seniors residences, his family and the lives of all who knew him. From his humble beginnings, Mel lived life to its fullest and always had a twinkle in his eye. There is no doubt that he has now re-joined his beautiful wife, Irene, and has everyone up dancing in the stars above.

A ‘Mel Gardner Tribute’ night will be held at the Pembroke Amphitheatre on the evening of September 1st, 2021. Funeral Mass for Mel will be celebrated on Wednesday morning July 7, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 280 Lourdesview Drive, Pembroke. Interment to follow in St. Columba’s Cemetery.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on attendance (PLEASE RSVP murphyfuneralhome.ca or CALL 613-735-5711 BETWEEN 9 am & 5pm. To RESERVE A PLACE AT THE MASS.).
In memory of Mel, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.

A Video Tribute to Mel and a longer version of his obituary can be viewed on the Murphy Funeral home website: murphyfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements entrusted to the Murphy Funeral Home Pembroke.