Tom/Scotty was born near Argo, SK on February 13, 1931. When he was five, he moved with his family to Burntisland, Scotland for a dozen years, returning to Canada in 1948 and settling in Langley, BC. His apparent path towards a career in farming was diverted when he joined the RCMP in 1951. Over the ensuing 32 years, he proudly served in the Force — first in Manitoba (Stonewall, Morris, Portage la Prairie and Winnipeg), then in Regina (1967), Ottawa (1967-68), Sydney NS (1968-1972), Edmonton (1972-1974) and Victoria (1974-1983).
Highlights of his policing career included coordinating the successful investigation of a large gold theft at the Winnipeg airport, and being instrumental in getting a serial killer off the streets. He also was a Personal Orderly to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip during their six-week Royal Tour of Canada in 1959. His engrossing tales live on in the book that he wrote, “In the Mind of a Mountie”.
Following the RCMP, Scotty worked for 13 years with BC’s Office of the Ombudsman, later coming out of retirement (2000-2004) as an investigator with BC’s Ministry of the Attorney General. His last two decades were mostly spent repairing and restoring furniture, a hobby that began with a solitary chair at The Blethering Place tearoom and blossomed into a thriving business.
He was a tireless volunteer, helping causes such as Glenlyon Norfolk School, First Metropolitan United Church, and the Victoria Philharmonic Choir. In addition, his private support of numerous individuals made his family, his community and his country so much better.
He displayed how to live an extremely healthy life by walking to work, eating moderately, and masterfully deflecting the stress that life threw at him. He maintained his vigour and independence up until an infection of C. difficile quickly worked its evil. His peaceful, painless death took place in the company of his wife and his three children.
His positive attitude and unending cheeriness will be treasured as a warm afterglow by his friends in his clock group, his coffee buddies, and the countless folks whose lives were made better by knowing him. Without exception over the decades, he displayed pure integrity and positivity.
Left to mourn are his wife, Mary; son, Ian (Samira); daughter, Andrea; son, Colin; grandson, Max; plus extended family members in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. He was predeceased by his son, Bruce (Karen); and his first wife, Cordelea.
If desired, donations in his memory can be made to the Bruce Gardiner Bursary at https://www.mygns.ca/support/donate-online
The RCMP motto, translated as “Uphold the Right”, was personified by Tom/Scotty. No one upheld what is right more than he did. The void he leaves is widespread and massive.
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My sincere condolences to Mary, Ian, Andrea , Colin and Max.
Your dad lived a long wonderful life, doing the things he loved until the end. You all live in him, and he will always be near you, watching over you all.
I never got to meet him. But only heard beautiful words of him.
I read his book and was hoping for a second one, he kept me wanting more.
May he rest in peace, alongside his loved ones that left before him.
You are all in my prayers and thoughts.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your father’s guidance and love will forever live in your hearts. May he rest in peace .
Theresa and I met Scottie in Saskatoon for a coffee at Tims. Scottie was a great story teller and i had the privilege of reading his book “In the Mind of a Mountie”. Our condolences to the family as Scottie takes his last post.
retired member
Scotty was my boss in CIB in Victoria, the best boss I had in my 26 years in the RCMP and he honestly cared about people and for this I will be eternally grateful.
My condolences to his family, he may be gone but never will be forgotten.
Scottie attended and spoke to our South Okanagan RCMP Veterans in Summerland approximately five years ago. He was extremely well recieved by the Veterans and invited guests. As previously indicated he was a great story teller, signed my book, In the Mind of a Mounter, which I treasure to this day. A very thoughtful, positive Veteran. RIP…..
To the Family of Scotty Gardiner,
My interactions with Scotty were through my friendship with Colin and my affiliation with GNS.
Scotty was such a kind and enthusiastic man.
He helped me repair many chairs in his day!!
He will be remembered and sorely missed.
My thoughts are with you all,
Susannah Wood
To the Gardiner family,
Scotty was the best operational officer I ever had the pleasure to work well. His commitment to getting the job done right regardless of the obstacles presented was second to none. Rest easy my friend, your shift is over.
Jerry Moloci
On behalf of Glenlyon Norfolk School, we send our deepest sympathies on your recent loss. Sincerely, the staff of Alumni Engagement & Advancement.
To Mary, Ian, Andrea and Colin, I want to express my deepest condolences concerning the passing of Scotty. I remember clearly the first time I met him. It was at the Victoria airport. I was 15 years old in 1975. Scotty was tall and in his uniform. We met and he greeted me with a great smile and a firm handshake. It was one of the finest examples of respect to someone, even if that someone was a 15 year old teenager. I also remember when I was part of a hypothermia experiment at UVIC. Your dad took the time to coach and support me while I was shivering in a tank of water and ice. He never had to do these things. He was just that sort of leader and caring person who used his many skills to make our world a better place. There are likely hundreds of people with stories such as my own. We have all benefited from having known your dad. He will be in our memories forever.
On behalf of the Manitoba RCMP Veteran’s Association, we offer our deepest condolences to Scotty’s family and friends. Thank you Scotty for your service to Canada.
Stu Evans
Manitoba RCMP Veteran’s Association
Director – Welfare & Benefits