Cliff Gardiner

April 24, 1945 – July 17, 2026

On July 17, 2026, Clifford Neal Gardiner passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 81. He was born April 24, 1945 in Quill Lake, SK to Pat (Raymond) and Edith Gardiner and was raised on the family farm in Quill Lake. Cliff was the youngest of four boys. He attended both elementary and high school in Quill Lake. After high school, Cliff worked briefly for SaskTel and also attended the University of Saskatchewan, College of Law. Following this, Cliff moved to Prince George, BC to work for the Prince George Pulp Mill.

Cliff married his high school sweetheart, Lena Olkanych, on September 14, 1964 in Prince George, where they began their married life. In 1968, Cliff, Lena, and their daughter, Dawna, moved to Prince Albert, SK where Cliff began work at the Prince Albert Pulp Mill. Their daughter, Tracee, was born just after their move to PA. Cliff worked in various departments at the mill and later become a journeyman electrician. For several years before retirement, Cliff worked in management at the mill. Prince Albert remained their home with the exception being a one-year family relocation in 1975 to Algeria, Africa where Cliff worked startup at a pulp mill.

Cliff and Lena enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends throughout Canada and into the States. Cliff enjoyed meeting new people on these travels. They also enjoyed camping, especially with their grandchildren. Cliff had a vey special relationship with Amy, Annika, and Max. He spent many hours helping to chauffeur them to school and their many activities.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Dawna (Brian) Olson; son-in-law Greg Obrigavitch and his children Amy, Annika, and Max; his brother Gerald, his sisters-in-law Nancy Sobchyshyn and Adeline Olkanych. Cliff is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Cliff was predeceased by his parents Pat (Raymond) and Edith Gardiner; his brothers Larry Gardiner and Les Gardiner; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Metro and Anna Olkanych; his brothers-in-law John Olkanych and Mike Olkanych; sisters-in-law Fannie Sorrell, Mary Chorney, Gertrude Olkanych and Ann Pidherny; his brothers-in-law Morris Sobchyshyn, Norm Pidherny, Frankie Sorrell, and Nick Chorney.

Cliff will lovingly be remembered by all who knew him!

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Canadian Cancer Society – https://cancer.ca/

Diabetes Foundation – https://www.diabetes.ca/

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada – https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/

Prince Albert SPCA – https://www.princealbertspca.ca/

 

A Come and Go Celebration of Life Reception will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Plaza 88, King’s Court Room (Main Level), 888 Central Ave, Prince Albert, SK

Family and friends may leave online condolences at https://grays.ca

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Gray’s Funeral Chapel,
Mary MacWilliams, Funeral Director.    306-922-4729

• Date : 2026-07-17
• Location : Prince Albert, SK