Gardner, John W. – 67, Truro, passed away peacefully at the Colchester Regional Hospital November 13, 2010. Born in Yarmouth N.S., he was the son of the late Bertha Gardner (VanAmburg) and the late John Gardner. John is survived by his wife of 48 years Ann Dora, Truro; sons Robert, Alberta; Quinn (Sandy), Truro; Kevin (Tushia), British Columbia; daughter Lynn (Kurt), Fall River; sister Rachel, Yarmouth; brother Allen, Kentville; half sisters Hazel, Ontario; Shirley, Bedford; Lillian, Sheet Harbour; Betty (Burton), Carleton; sister-in-law Vivian (Ronnie), Yarmouth; grandchildren Aleasha, Rebecca, Calvin, Mitchell, Kassie, Tanner, Quincy, Dana, Rachel, Alexis and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his brother-in-law Francis, half brother Jim and mother-in-law Janet. John grew up in Yarmouth, becoming a plumber and loved to play in local bands Ferraris and the Mystics. He married Ann Dora and relocated to Truro with his family in 1970. He worked for Spencer Brothers and Turner, Eddy Group, owned Plas Val Enterprises and retired from the Chignecto Central Regional School Board to run his current business Trouble Free Construction. John was a gentle teddy bear and was affectionately called “Papa.” He had a deep love for music, family, enjoyed evenings with his friends and had many of life’s lessons to share. John will be missed by his family, friends and work acquaintances. The family would like to express their heart felt thank you to the nurses and doctors who showed extreme compassion and care for John during his stay at the hospital and to family and friends whose support gives us strength to get through the days ahead. Private family burial will be held Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. On-line condolences may be sent to www.colchestercommunity.com