Stephen John Gardin

Our family, with heavy hearts, announces the passing of Stephen John Gardin, 57, of Bedford Nova Scotia on September 3, 2021. His loss was unexpected, and we are deeply saddened.

Stephen was born October 18th, 1963, to John and Aurora Gardin in Halifax, NS. He grew up and attended school in Bedford. A childhood of sports, scouts, paper routes, building snow forts, playing with cousins/neighbors, and chasing chickens around the yard are memories not quickly forgotten.

After graduating, he held a variety of jobs; worked offshore on the oil rigs, travelled, and worked in Ontario and in Alberta. Eventually he found his way back to Nova Scotia and settled in Lower Sackville.

He had a contagious personality, though surly at times, a big booming voice, and a brilliant smile which showed his true self.

Stephen had a passion for cars, especially when it came to Formula 1 racing and Team Ferrari. There were many a race day that you could hear him, Paul, and our mother Aurora throughout the neighborhood, cheering and scolding all the racers.

He enjoyed nature, working on different outdoor projects, and tending to his flowers; cactus, gladiolas and roses being some of his favorites.

In true Italian style, he loved to cook and enjoyed good food. Lucky for him to be surrounded by a family and community with incredible chefs and lots of celebrations to enjoy. He was always so very proud of his Italian heritage and the community that we grew up in.

His greatest pride of all came when his daughter Savannah was born. She could always melt his heart with her sweet smile and giggles. His love for her is unconditional and everlasting. He would always say, “Savannah is my bright light, the best thing to ever happen to me”.

Stephen is survived by his parents, John and Aurora Gardin, brothers and sister, Luke, Paul (Jennifer), Elliot (Emily), Sabrina (Peter), daughter Savannah and nieces and nephews Ben, Juliana, Sophia, and Aidan.

Atlantic Funeral Home, Lower Sackville will hold visitation times from 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Thursday June 16th, 2022. Online condolences may be made by visiting the website www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com and selecting the Sackville Chapel.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:30am, reception to follow, on June 17th, 2022, at St. John Vianney Church, Lower Sackville. If desired, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Heart and Stroke Foundation.