In Loving Memory of
Michael Thomas Gardner
1950 - 2026
Obituary of Michael Thomas Gardner
Michael “Major Mike” Gardner, 76, of Chippawa, Ontario, died peacefully at home on September 10, 2026 surrounded by his children and ex-wife. He passed by his choice thanks to the M.A.I.D. program, after a brief battle with lung cancer.He was born in 1950 to Jacqueline "Jackie" Gardner (nee Payne), and Stuart Gardner, and was the oldest of 5 siblings. Mike had a passion for fishing, and had a remarkable talent for playing the stand-up bass. He was a session player on numerous albums, including Raffi, The Original Sloth Band, Valdy, Colleen Peterson and Jackie Washington, among others. He was a band member for many bands in Toronto, including The Royal Crowns, The Paladins, and Melody Ranch. He was a cook at beloved Toronto restaurant, The Gem, and retired after a lengthy career as a Media Librarian at T.V. Ontario.
Michael was preceded in death by Stuart and Jackie Gardner, and is survived by his 3 children, Jonah Toulmin, Shirley Gardner, and Michele Gardner, his siblings Carol Gardner, Cathy Conlon, Larry Gardner, and Peter Gardner. His niece and nephews Eva and Joe Zemaitis, Badi Gardner, Dave and Sean Conlon, ex-wife Kathleen Fillmore, and friends old and new.
Michael has been cremated per his wishes and did not want a funeral. His life and contribution to music can be honoured by cracking a can of beer and listening to his favourite Canadian Band, “The Band.” Donations to Music Counts would be greatly appreciated. Please consider sharing a memory or story of Major Mike for his family as they navigate this loss.
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Michael was a joy – -him and his upright bass! A one of a kind musician who loves music – a star that he was. In the studio – he kept a groove going. On the road he would pop up with so many musicians for the concert, what a treat for the fans. Rick Taylor and Willie P Bennett were family as many others were; and, John Smale – Smale’s Pace was always a welcomed home.
Michael shall always be within hearts of many as a beautiful memory
From old friends Mary, Jenny and Dan
Rest in peace Mike. We met at Mary DeKeyser’s Melody Ranch Toronto in 2002. The following year, when I wanted to make a CD, I asked him to play bass on the sessions. He killed it. Along with mutual friend, musician and fellow Melody Ranch alumnus Michael F. Clifton on drums, I was lucky to have the best at my disposal. Mike was super nice, crazy talented and a joy to be around. Since moving to the Niagara region myself, I was pleased to reconnect with Mike on social media and catch up with him. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Mike is unique – in every way. His talents (who plays double bass like he does? No one)! Who could make Red Beans and Rice like him? Nope Caesar Salad? (OK The Gem Restaurant in Toronto). Who could manage a Sailboard immediately? Mike! Who traded the Sailboard for a SunFish? Mike. And then came the Fishing. Man – that’s where he excelled. Loved it.
We’d load the car up with all the stuff needed to fish and our two small daughters and we wouldn’t see much of him until he came back with enough for dinner. Good times.
Mike also was cut out as an excellent Ex-husband. We managed to have a 40 year relationship that lasted until his last breath. That’s because I told him what to do and he ignored me for the most part.
Mike was unique mostly in his sense of how he wanted to live. He was happy to accept help, but he always lived his own way. Right up until the end. He had so many memories and laughs of the good old days with friends and living free and easy. And at the end he wanted nothing but to have our girls and me with him. So thanks for that, Mike. You gave us that peace.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Far too young! So many memories of Mike and all of you who have now lost your brother. It’s been a long time, but I feel like I’ve lost one too.
Rest in peace Maj, thanks for the laffs and the many years of music. Try not to get in trouble up there.
My condolences to all in the family. He will be truly missed.
Our condolences to the family. Many great memories with Mike, he was truly one of a kind.
Friends since our tweens Mike will be missed by many but remembered by all.