In Memoriam

DR. DAVID GARDNER, MARCH 22, 1941 – APRIL 2, 2013

On April 2, 2013, Dr. David Garner, President of the Theosophical Society in Canada, made his transition. He had just turned 72 on March 22. David had been at The Grace Hospital Hospice in Toronto for eight days. His brother was there with him when he transitioned. David never married, but devoted his life to his spiritual pursuits. He was always curious, an avid reader, a music lover and a convincing writer. His lectures and presentations were always thought provoking, as David intended them to be.

A gentle soul, he appreciated nature and was a keen observer of animals and their habits. He could have written a definitive book on pigeons, had he lived long enough to do so. David was a loyal friend and valued each of his friendships. He maintained correspondence with many Theosophists, Martinists and Rosicrucians from various parts of the world  and truly valued these contacts. They were all people like David himself, who preferred to correspond by personal letter. He was a man who lived without much interest in, or need for, technology. Possessing an active mental life, David always had opinions and comments to offer on any subject under discussion. His presence in the organizations he lived for will be greatly missed.

David was one of a kind. While driving him to and from various meetings over many years, I got to know him quite well. I heard many stories about his childhood and his pranks at school. He was undoubtedly a precocious lad – the type I would probably have enjoyed having in one of my classes when teaching. His sense of humour was unique and disarming at times.

Kenneth David Gardner was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on March 22, 1941. He has two younger siblings, a sister, Linda Kapoor, and a brother, Rev. Philip Gardner. A lifelong music lover, David earned his ARCT at the age of 16. He retained perfect pitch throughout his life. He was an amazing leader when doing the Rosicrucian vowel sounds.

He graduated from McMaster University with an Honours degree in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. He then attended University of Toronto where he earned a Masters Degree in Meteorology. He then studied Meteorology at MIT in Boston.

When he saw an ad in FATE magazine and investigated, he was introduced to Rosicrucians and Martinists. Many of them became his lifelong friends. David was attracted to the study of Rosicrucianism and became a member of AMORC in 1974. He attended many special session over the years at Rosicrucian Park in San Diego, California. He became a Martinist in 1979, and discovered the teachings of the International College of Esoteric Studies (ICES). These studies were originally called Martinist Studies through the International College of Martinist Studies (ICOMS). Through the ICES organization, David earned a doctorate in Esoteric Studies.

David became a member of the order Militia Crucifera Evangelisca (OMCE). He was an initiated Knights Templar.

David was the President of the Theosophical Society in Canada at the time of his transition. He first joined the Theosophical Society in 1991. He became Secretary Treasurer of the Toronto Theosophical Society in 1993, and then President of the Canadian organization in 1995. He retained memberships in both organizations.

In all of the above societies and organizations, David was a very active member. He served on Initiation teams, took major roles in Rituals and Dramas, conducted workshops and delivered many lectures. He also contributed many articles to the theosophical magazine, The Theosophist.

David was cremated and laid to rest beside his parents in Burlington, ON. A Memorial service in the form of a Musical Tribute was held for him at his childhood church, Westdale United Church  in Hamilton, on May 5. The service was conducted by Rev. Judith Johnson. David’s brother Phillip was the organist and pianist, and his sister, Linda Kapoor, was the soloist. Lois Brisbois read  Ecclesiastes, from Sacred writings: The Tanakh. Rev. Johnson read from the writings of Helena Blavatsky (The Secret Doctrine). A reception for family and friends was held after the service in the Hazel Broker Parlour. David would have been well pleased.

On June 23, David was also remembered at a special service at Grace Hospital Hospice for all those who transitioned there during the past three months.

Lois Brisbois, Theosophical Society in Canada.