In Loving Memory of Charles Burkitt Gardner

Known as everyone as “Burk”

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Burk Gardner of Melfort, SK on July 12, 2025. Burk was born September 27, 1941 to Harry and Gwen Gardner at St. Paul’s Hospital, Saskatoon, SK.

As a youth Burk lived in Toronto, Winnipeg, Delisle, Kerrobert and spent time living with his grandparents in Dundurn and Outlook.

He met his wife Shirley Martinson while living in Outlook and they were married August 18, 1962 at the Saskatchewan River Lutheran Church. They lived in Kerrobert for several years until July, 1965 when they settled in Melfort. Burk worked for Crown Lumber, the  Melfort Journal and later started his own business Burk’s Business Machines Ltd. on October 9, 1970. It was a successful business spanning several decades, selling and repairing office equipment, business machines and selling stationary.

As a young man establishing himself in Melfort, Burk involved himself in the community as a member of the Rotary Club, Jaycee President and Regional Director in Canada, and Board of Trade member.

The first of Burk and Shirl’s two adopted children was born November 10, 1969, named Christopher Barry Gardner. Two years later Christine Nicole Gardner was born on   August 4, 1971, thus completing their family. Eventually, Burk employed his son Barry as a technician, his wife Shirley as a bookkeeper and his daughter Nicole as a clerk.

Over the years Burk and Shirl enjoyed camping, their cabin at Marean Lake and many trips throughout Canada, the U.S. and abroad to France, Monaco and Spain to name a few.

Burk was fond of sledding, boating, 4 wheeling, fishing and golfing. After selling the cabin they bought a 5th wheel trailer and travelled to the warmer climate in Arizona. Burk enjoyed the club house, swimming and riding the sand dunes.

They eventually traded the 5th wheel trailer for a permanent park model trailer where they spent many winters enjoying the sun and the many friends made there.

Burk shared in his wife’s passion of dolls and travelled to many craft shows to display and sell the beautiful Barbie doll clothes Shirl made. Burk was a lover of animals and cared for many cats and dogs over the years.

He was well known for driving fast, both cars and scooters, enjoying a Caesar or beer with Clamato juice and had a wonderful way of drawing you in for conversation.

Surviving Burk are his children: Barry Gardner and Nicole (Mark) Bouliane. Burk is predeceased by his wife Shirley Gardner, and his parents Harry and Gwen Gardner.

A Celebration of Burk’s Life will be held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025  from 3:00 -5:00 PM at the Melfort Royal Canadian Legion (101 Macleod Ave. E  Melfort, SK)

Memorial donations may be made to the Northeast SPCA

Those wishing to send condolences are invited to visit the online guestbook at www.fedusiakfuneralchapel.com

Arrangements entrusted to Fedusiak Funeral Chapel & Crematorium Ltd., Melfort, SK  (306)752-3838

 

 

• Date : 2025-07-12
• Location : Melfort, SK