Dr. Richard Buchanan Gardiner
June 8, 1954 - February 27, 2026
Richard Buchanan Gardiner was born in Peterborough, Ontario, on June 8, 1954 and died in London, Ontario on February 27, 2026. He was the cherished son of Ruth Peters of Campbellford, and James Gardiner of Garden Hill. Richard took immense pride in his family and heritage, and his family’s stories were always close to his heart. He loved the family farm at Garden Hill, and then life in Port Hope, Ontario. He graduated from Trent University and went on to post-graduate studies in biology.
While Richard was doing his post-graduate studies at Western, friend and fellow researcher, Ken Rochefort and wife Stella Williamson (née Gronsky) became Richard’s chosen family. The three Rochefort kids, Nicole, Marcus, and Stella, grew up with Uncle Richard. After the passing of Richard’s father in 1989, Richard’s integration into the Rochefort family deepened, and we shared many Thanksgivings, Christmases, and several other celebrations throughout the year. Richard was a dear friend to all, and a lovely gentleman.
Dr. Richard Gardiner (aka Doctor-G, aka Dickey) dedicated over 30 years to Western University and the Biology Department as a mycologist, professor, colleague, and gentle friend to all. Richard’s scientific wisdom and passion were only outmatched by his kind spirit. As the administrator of the electron microscope, he was a patient mentor, guiding researchers to excel in their applications of the scientific method. When students dreamed of graduate studies or careers, Richard was a pillar of support—writing countless letters of reference, reviewing applications, and offering thoughtful guidance every step of the way.
Known for his sharp and playful wit, Richard brought warmth and laughter to all of us. Whether sharing a cup of coffee or a handwritten note, his care was a constant presence. Richard’s kindness and love for others shaped the lives of countless students, colleagues, and friends he cared for every day.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, Ontario at 10:00 a.m., followed by a social gathering for friends and family at 11:00 a.m. Please feel free to wear some purple to the Celebration of Life to show your love and kinship with Richard.
For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed. To register for the livestream, please click Remembering Richard.
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** Jim, Ruth and Richard Gardiner **
** Memories of Christmas Past **
** Richard and some of his aunts **
** Irish Blessing **
We were cousins. Our Moms were sisters. In our younger years our families always got together for Christmas and our Grandmother's birthday. We were all close then. In 1967 our family bought a tent trailer and we invited Richard to join us on a cross-country camping trip to the west coast. It was the farthest he had been from home... it was a great trip with lots of memories! As we grew up we all went our own ways. We tried to keep in touch but everyone found their own niche. We invited Richard to our family weddings but he had found his own life in London. We were saddened to hear of his ailment, and more so his passing. He was way too young, just a year older than me. We are glad he found a 'family of his own' in London.
Farewell cousin... With much love, Cathy Ottawa, Ontario
Services for Dr. Richard Buchanan Gardiner
Celebration of Life will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
March 21, 2026 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Social Gathering for Friends and Family will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
March 21, 2026 11:00 am
I graduated from Western University in 2016; although it's been over a decade since I sat in Dr. Gardiner's class, I still think about his kindness from time to time. Dr. Gardiner was an extremely intelligent man, yet at the same time, he was able to remain empathetic and patient with his students. He always did his best to make sure his students would succeed. I am saddened to learn of his passing, but am grateful that I was able to learn from him. May he rest in peace.
~ Past Student of Dr. Gardiner