Obituary of R. J. Currie Gardner

R.J. CURRIE GARDNER

July 16, 1918 – March 15, 2022

Currie passed away peacefully at the Sunnybrook Veterans Wing on March 15, 2022 at the age of 103. The longest living Canadian Typhoon fighter pilot from World War II has flown his last sortie.

Currie was the beloved husband of the late Babs (nee Proctor) Gardner and proud father to J.E. Currie (Judy) of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Robert N.D. (Karen) of Oakville. He was a cherished grandfather to Currie A.R. (Kyle) of New York and James E.J. (Tiffiny), and great-grandfather to Sophia of North York. Currie was predeceased by his siblings, Donna Witton and Doug Gardner (Margaret). Uncle Currie is fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Currie was a charming, friendly and compassionate gentleman. He was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario. Flight Lieutenant Currie Gardner proudly served Canada in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a typhoon fighter pilot during the Second World War in 440 (Ottawa) Squadron. Following the war, he graduated from McMaster University and was in the Air Force Reserve. He pursued careers at Bell, CEMA and retired from the Ontario Ministry of Health in 1983.  Currie and Babs were a strong and loving team who lived in Toronto, Camborne and Cobourg, Ontario. He was always a family man whose smile, good sense of humour and comforting presence will be missed.

The family would like to praise and thank the staff who provided wonderful, compassionate care for Dad at the Sunnybrook Veterans Wing since 2008.

The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Currie Gardner to the Veterans Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5. Donations to the Veterans’ Centre can be made at donate.sunnybrook.ca/tribute or by calling 416-480-4483.

In person services for vaccinated family and friends will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville), Toronto, followed by a reception. Participation by live streaming will be available.  Please check www.humphreymiles.com for the link, and to leave condolences.  A private family interment will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. 

© 2021 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.