The Way We Were: The Gardner Family

One of these guys was Dave Gardner ’71, who he met in 1968. Gardner had played Major Midget in 1967 and Branston had the good fortune to become his Jr. B Buzzer teammate in 1968.

Gardner’s father Cal Gardner played for New York Rangers and later Toronto Maple Leafs. Paul Gardner ’76, Gardner’s brother, also played for the Leafs. In fact, it was Gardner’s father who got Branston a tryout with the Leafs, enabling him to play in their farm system in Oklahoma. Nevertheless, he was in good Gardner company throughout his life. Branston relates that before practice, the team would gather and study together, and that’s where their friendship grew. As Branston went on to university, he remembers Gardner se ing a scoring record in 1969-70 when he scored 54 goals with the Buzzers, and then in 1970-71 playing for the Marlies and winning the Red Tilson Trophy as the Ontario Hockey League's most outstanding player. He was on a supercharged line with Steve Shu and Billy Harris.

Ever since he could remember, Phil Branston ’69 wanted to go to St. Mike’s. His father would take him to Sunday doubleheader hockey games between the St. Mike’s Majors and the Toronto Marlboros or St. Catherines’ Teepees. Maple Leaf Gardens was packed with mostly ‘double blue’ wearing students. So, it was in Joe Younder’s ’56 classroom. He recalls, “ ere were about 17 laymen and more than 40 priests and seminarians teaching at the time.” Branston was passionate about hockey, and the fact that they had a rink made him very happy. It was here that he met young men

John Connelly ’69, Glen Williamson ’69, John Hirst ’69, Sean McDonough ’69, Grant Cole ’67, Rick Tarullo ’69, Brian Galbraith ’68, Ed Zuccato ’68, Terry Ca ery ’66 †, some of whom would become lifelong friends.

In Branston’s words, “My family was very close with Dave’s – my kids called him Uncle Dave and his kids called me Uncle Phil. We spent many weekends in the summer at Gards’ co age on Lake Scugog. I’d like to say that it was all sun and fun, but it was mostly spent working our bu s o … a labour of love, he might call it! ‘Gards’ was an elite athlete; however, at St. Mike’s, he was a rookie. I was the captain – two years his senior. He viewed athletics in the same way as he considered life: he was unsel sh; generous, and respectful of everyone – except his opponents; he wanted to see his teammates succeed and viewed your success as his success.

“He cared about people… If you had a chance to play hockey or golf with him, he made a point of helping you to be a be er player, a be er person. He enjoyed a long career at Molson’s –and he loved being part of the Molson team. Actually, he loved everything about the business, but especially the people – he developed many great friendships with his colleagues and with owners, managers, and sta of the many establishments he worked with. He participated in many charity events, sometimes as a celebrity, sometimes as a speaker, and was particularly fond of the Special Olympics and of the annual black-tie silent auction event – it was right in his wheelhouse – tuxedo and all! Dave was no stranger to St. Mike’s. His yearly contribution to the Skate for Kids Program and ge ing former players to suit up to support the school was a great event.”

In March 2023, Dave Gardner passed away and the SMCS community and the greater community, lost a great friend, brother, and father.

“Living in Leaside, there were many guys that went to St. Mike’s like Kevin Burke ’62, Reg Bellomo ’71, as well as SMCS teachers, Hugh MacDougall and Peter Morris. I followed my brother in 1970 and had seen many of his games. Growing up in a hockey family was special, but Dad kept it low-key. We played all sports: baseball, golf, and of course, hockey,” remembers Gardner’s brother Paul. “Mom was always there for support and saying the rosary that we didn’t get hurt. Being successful, David helped and quietly supported me by including me in many sporting activities. I could never beat him in golf. A er St. Mike’s, I moved on to pro hockey and made a career of playing and coaching. I am proud of both my brother and the fact that I went to St. Mike’s.”

Gardner’s son, Ryan, remembers all the lessons his dad imparted to him, along with his endless support for his family and others.

“My father was my hero, my idol, and most of all, my best friend. He taught me, listened to me, and pushed me, gave me the tools to succeed in life. I will miss every minute we spent together — all the fun times, wise words, and guidance. He was one of a kind. His athletic accomplishments in hockey are well known. He was an amazing all-around athlete from a young age, there was nothing he couldn’t do, and he did everything so well.

“Growing up in Leaside, along with my Uncle Paul, they had an amazing childhood. e love of sports and the amazing career that he had allowed him to do what he loved most, and that was being around people. My father’s greatest pleasure was talking with his friends, telling stories, or cha ing with someone he had never met before. If you spoke with my dad for a quick moment, it made you feel like he was your best bud; I have heard from so many people how much my father meant to them – it was the same for him. He was the most caring and compassionate person I know — he would do anything to help or sometimes just listen. He loved being part of a team, if that was in hockey, work or just a four-man scramble golf group. He was a great leader, teacher, and coach. His personality was infectious — everyone wanted to be around him. My father will never be forgo en because of the memories and the stories that will be told with great fondness by all of us in the many years to come.”