Ralph Gardner

09/22/1930 - 07/31/2016

Ralph Samuel Gardner, a long time Prince George resident and community supporter, passed away peacefully after a brief struggle with cancer, July 31, 2016 at the age of 85. Ralph is predeceased by his parents, William and Winifred Gardner, his brother William Gardner and sister Velma (Lyon). Ralph is survived and will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 33 years Violet Rose, his two step sons and their families Derek (Karen) and Todd (Vivian ) Rogers, 6 Grand children, 6 great grand children and loving nieces and nephews. Ralph was born in Prince Rupert September 22 1930, and moved with his family to Prince George as a young child in 1936. He graduated from Prince George Secondary in 1951. and went on to earn 4 year certificate of apprenticeship as an automotive machinist with Mackenzie, White & Dunsmuir in Prince George in 1955. After a successful career with Taylor Pearson where he passed on his skills and knowledge by supervising and mentoring several new apprentices. In later years worked for the City of Prince George and Prince George motors. His love of cars and driving lead him to like minded people and was a founding member of PGARA speedway. Ralph was an active participant in community and could always be counted on to drive dignitaries, in civic summer parades... Perhaps most memorable were those when his 65 corvette stingray was used. His generosity, joyful nature and love of Christmas were a perfect combination for the creation of his secret identity. ... He had beautiful custom made Santa suit - and when he was in that suit ... HE WAS SANTA and his joyful belly laugh could be heard for many years at the downtown Hudson's Bay as well at local holiday events... He enjoyed sports and keeping active with friends... Golf football and hockey ( goalie for local team) you could say he was a bit of a rink rat.... If he wasn't supporting the local team he was on the ice himself skating with his buddies twice a week. Family and friends will always remember him as a "friend" you could always count on.... Maintaining strong friendships that have stood the test of time ... Once you became a friend of Ralph he was loyal forever. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone. We will always remember and miss his great sense of humor, his generosity, compassion and strong commitment to friends and family. Family would like to give heart felt thanks to Dr. Ferreira Dr. Paterson, the nurses and home care workers for gentle considerate care and attention over the past 2 years, as well as first responders and nurses at hospice. Celebration of Ralph's life will be held at Evangelical Free Church 4590 - 5th Ave. Prince George on August 27, 2016 at 11:00am.