With a profound sense of loss and immeasurable sadness, we bid farewell to Alan Peter Gardner at a youthful 54. Brilliant, talented, upstanding, radiant, magnetic, optimistic, playful, analytical, opinionated, loving, genuine, and one of a kind, Alan was the same version of himself to every person he met.

Al lived his life with passion, curiosity, a sense of occasion, and a distinct approach to fashion. He seized the day. The life of the party, an epicure, wine enthusiast, and amateur mixologist, he cooked inventively and beautifully, with a desire to feed his family and the masses. He had an insatiable appetite for adventure and new experiences, through which he created precious memories. An avid traveller, he was the consummate vacation planner. He took every opportunity to jump into a lake or ocean regardless of weather. As graduating high school athlete of the year, he maintained his love of sports—especially baseball. He also enjoyed live music, appreciated the arts, and latterly tolerated dance lessons with his wife.

Al's smiling eyes, open demeanor, honesty, and common sense made him approachable and trustworthy. He was quick, with great comedic timing—qualities he appreciated in others. He put everyone at ease. He continually made close friends he kept forever. He expressed love broadly and freely, as likely to cry as to laugh with friends and family. He served as confidant and advisor to all. He found meaning in elevating and celebrating others, as committed to supporting people as he was determined never to be a burden. He understood human nature deeply, a gift he put to great effect personally and in his professional life as a mentor, team member, advocate, and opponent. A superb litigator at work and play, he loved a good argument, in which he could be searing or subtle. He treasured his roles as a partner, head of the securities litigation group, and appreciated colleague at Bennett Jones LLP.

Alan's highest priority was his family. He considered being an excellent father to have been his greatest accomplishment. He was besotted with his children, Henry and Josie. He was the adored and devoted husband of 21 years to Dominique Hussey. He cherished his siblings, Karen, Susan (late Greg), and Paul (Rosanna) Gardner; in-laws Karlene, Andrew, and Alia Hussey and Peter Sanagan; and nephews and nieces Cameron, Andrew, and Emily; Stephen (Ani) and Brittany (Paul), Alex (Chris) and Dahlia; and Desmond. He was predeceased as a child by his father, David Gardner, and, just five days before his own death, by his beloved mother, Yvonne Gardner (Nick).

A warrior, Alan faced aggressive lung disease with bravery and stoicism, survived a double lung transplant, and after it, during an extraordinary year, confronted insurmountable complications with an enduring will to survive. He died on January 5, at peace and in Dom’s arms. He leaves bereft his immediate and extended family, his dear friends made during his life in Ottawa, New York, and Toronto, his work colleagues, and countless other friends from his personal and professional life who were lucky enough to bask in his glow for a time. We "remember when your neon used to burn so bright and pink. So bright and pink. Saturday night kind of pink".

Alan requested cremation. All are invited to drop in to visit with the family on Thursday, January 16, from 4pm-8pm at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre - 375 Mount Pleasant Road. A celebration of life will be held for family and friends at a later date. Those wishing to donate in his honour may do so to the Daily Bread Foodbank or the UHN Foundation Lung Program. For more information, donations links, or online condolences, please visit www.etouch.ca. Al would encourage you to consider giving the gift of life through pre-planned organ donation.