Kyle Gardner
September 25, 1990 – May 18, 2020
Kyle Gardner, Eagle Lake Chiefs’ deadliest defense player #67, born and raised in Migisi Sahgaigan passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 18, 2020 at the age of 29.
Kyle is survived by his paternal grandparents; his OkomisonRose Gardner, his Omishomison Philip Gardner, his dog Makwa, his parents; Kenneth Gardner and Kathleen Chief, his siblings; brothers Kendall Gardner and Charlie Chief, sister Victoria Gardner-Anderson, nieces and nephews; Kiera, Bianka, Kierron and Zaira Chief as well as many aunts uncles and cousins who loved him dearly.
Kyle is predeceased by his maternal grandparents Lucy Kelly and Tom Chief.
Kyle was born in Dryden, Ontario on September 25, 1990 to Kenneth Gardner and Kathleen Chief. He was raised by his paternal grandparents Philip and Rose Gardner in MigisiSahgaigan. He graduated grade 12 and went to Red River College for an apprenticeship in carpentry. Kyle was also a guide at surrounding fishing resorts.
Kyle’s all-time favourite thing to do was to play hockey with the Chiefs. His teammates were his ‘Boys”. The boys did everything together, from hockey to golf to fishing. They would go to fly-in hockey tournaments in the north and travel to places like Las Vegas or Chicago. They also enjoyed a good bucket of skins from KFC together. Kyle liked to attend as many Winnipeg Jets games as he could. He didn’t only have one favourite Jets player, he liked them all!
Kyle loved his culture and traditions. He was a beautiful traditional style dancer at pow-wows. His feet flowed like the water to the beat of the drum. It was his peaceful place.
Kyle had a genuine soul and a heart made of gold. He would take the shirt off his back to make sure you were comfortable. He will be remembered by his sense of humour and gift of gab. Kyle could light up a room full of laughter for hours if you let him. He could also nurture you if you needed it with so much care and compassion.
A poem in his honour:
The rink in the sky, that’s where I’ll go and fly with the ancestors I will soar. Creator’s fans will chant and roar because I’ll play the game I love. I’ll skate hard from above and if you look up at the clouds I’ll wave to you with my glove.
Visitation will take place on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 1 p.m. until time of service at the Eagle Lake Arena.
A Traditional Service will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Eagle Lake Arena with
Elder Roy Napish officiating.
Interment will follow in the Eagle Lake Cemetery.
Donations may be made to DRHC Mental Health & Addictions through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca or sent to mail@dcfh.ca subject heading: Gardner