It was with great sadness that I received the news that William Gardiner had died in August. His wife Charlotte telephoned to say that he had suffered a major heart attack having recently been released from hospital following a minor one whilst on a sailing trip with his son.
William was a very active member of the Canoe-Camping Club during the 1970’s and into the 1980’s. The flourishing of the Dee and North West Group during this time was largely due to William’s efforts.
One of those characters who was in many ways, larger than life, William with his black beard gave the impression of a pirate. My first contact with him was in 1975 on the Bedford Ouse, when he and his daughter Rebecca paddled their home made canadian. I can remember William trying to persuade me to have a go with him on the outfall from Houghton Mill. I resisted and someone else got wet.
I didn’t really have a great deal to do with William until 1977, when Thames Group ran their Easter Meet on the Thames; we had an argument over whose map references were correct, and as a result we had a breakaway campsite. Still, the matter was soon resolved and from then on, we were firm friends.
There will be many people who remember William for his trip to Holland in 1978. By this time there were more members of the family and a boat that was almost awash with gear an the Ijssel.
Unfortunately ill health forced William to drop out of active paddling, but he still retained his interest in the Club. Fiona and I have remained in contact, and have often enjoyed the hospitality of the Gardiner family.
William will be sadly missed, not only by his family but by many members of the Canoe-Camping Club as well. Like me, I’m quite sure that most people will have happy memories of their meetings with him.
Jon Hutt