Dan Gardner beloved husband of LeeAnn Elkie Gardner and father of Kimberley Bailey Gardner of Martensville, formerly of Tisdale, Saskatoon, Canwood, Canora, Roblin and Yorkton passed away on December 20, 2012 in Martensville. He was forty-five years age. Dan was predeceased by his grandparents and a sister in law Kimberley Sagert. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, LeeAnn; his daughter, Kimberley Bailey Gardner; his parents; Jack and Ellen Gardner of Crystal Lake, Sk; two brothers, Shaun (Lorraine) of Saskatoon and Rod (Keri) of Roblin his mother and father in law, Dan and Hilda Elkie and a sister in law, Florence (Graham) Giroux all of Saskatoon; as well as numerous nieces, nephews relatives and friends. Dan was born May 21, 1967 in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, the son of Jack and Ellen Gardner and brother to Shaun and Rod. Dan was the "Middle Child" and several times he was heard lamenting the situation. "Danny or Capt'n Nemos" as he was affectionately known, grew up in Yorkton and attended Fairview, Yorkton Composite and Yorkton Regional High Schools before beginning a successful career with Cargill Limited. At the time of his passing Dan was the Manager of Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation in Saskatoon. Danny loved the great outdoors. He was an accomplished hunter and fisherman with a love of skiing, boating, camping and the warmth of a good fire. He took great pride in his bearskin rug, several excellent pairs of antlers and a Manitoba Master Anglers' Award for a whitefish. Danny was a modern day explorer/dare devil beginning with frequent visits to the flats to build forts and taste the culinary delights of gopher and robin. Over the years and several expressions of concern, Danny jumped from bridges (bungee jumping) and airplanes (skydiving), parasailed and enjoyed deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and fishing at Tobin Lake. His determination made it possible for him to barefoot ski at Crystal Lake. Danny's early years were full of sports, hockey in the winter -baseball, football, golf and a bit of cricket in the summer. Dan excelled at all sports including games of "Commando" with the neighborhood brat pack that included Bailey's, Harrison's, Wanner's, Thorsrud's and Robert Z , amongst others. Few involved during these years will forget Mrs. Gardner's call to home/ attention "Shaun, Daniel, Rodney time for supper" which had the ability to bring a feverous game of hockey a block away to an immediate halt. Dan married the love of his life LeAnn Lorraine Elkie, on June 30, 1996, and on August 5 1999 they were blessed with a beautiful daughter Kimberly Bailey. Nothing was more important to Dan than these two women. The three of them enjoyed camping, boating and movie night. Dan's love for animals was clearly seen through Bailey. Other moments of pride included watching Bailey figure skating, dancing, playing her violin and practicing her voice lessons. One of the most recent moments of pride he felt was when his little girl achieved the lead role as Snow White in "Mirror, Mirror". With the support of his family, Dan was able to achieve many challenges. His dedication to his family and work will be remembered and his absence will be greatly mourned. A Celebration of Life Service for Dan was held on Saturday, December 29, 2012 from Hillcrest Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens in Saskatoon with Crystal Bailey - Certified Celebrant officiating. The organist, Brenda Perlau and vocalist, William Hart led the congregation in the singing of the hymns "In the Garden" and "Shall We Gather at the River". Words of Remembrance were shared by Gerald & Trish Brykalo. Poems were read by Dan's daughter, Bailey & his brother, Shaun. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com Memorials in memory of Dan may be made to trust fund for his daughter, Bailey c/o RBC 2802 8th St. Saskatoon, SK S7H 0V9 as gifts of remembrance. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home - Yorkton 1-888-783-7552.
