Birth
It was December 20th in the year of our Lord,1941, in the quiet settlement of Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, Estella Bethel, and Harcourt Gardiner were blessed with a beautiful bouncing baby boy. He was given the name Edgar Alonza.
Education, Work and Career
Edgar received his early education at the Governor’s Harbour All-Age School. After his completion, he entered the field of masonry under the training of the late George Sands. Edgar developed a keen interest in the construction field and became a successful contractor; leading the construction of many homes that are still standing throughout the island of Eleuthera.
As time progressed, Edgar began the business of property management, where he cared for various winter residents' homes within the Governor’s Harbour Community. Edgar and Doreen thoroughly enjoyed property management and developed many lifelong friendships. He took pride in the management of these homes and treated them as his own by paying keen attention to detail.
Edgar was committed to building a legacy for his family. In the mid-1990’s Edgar established Gardiner’s Car Rental, a business he worked hard to maintain until his transition.
Marriage and Family Life
In the early 1960s, a debonair young man riding a motorbike with a large radio spotted a beautiful young lady with a breathtaking smile who would become the love of his life. Her name was Doreen. After a short time of courting, Edgar asked for her hand in marriage, and Doreen became his lifelong partner on January 31, 1961.
This union was blessed with six (6) children whom they reared with love, Godly principles, and discipline.
Edgar played a significant role in both his grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's lives. He took his role seriously and made sure that he was present. He was a prominent figure in their lives. Edgar prided himself on being the provider of his family; to this day, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would consider him the wealthiest man on earth.
Edgar loved his family and enjoyed the many long conversations with his siblings. He enjoyed reminiscing on times past and discussing current events.
Tech savvy, Edgar would send messages to his family and friends daily, either by computer or cellphone.
Church and Community
Edgar was a committed Anglican and a proud member of the St. Patrick's Parish. He served as a member of the ACM and church choir. Throughout the years, Edgar and Doreen opened their home to the various rectors assigned to the church. He loved the Lord and led his family to church every Sunday.
Hobbies
Edgar was a true seaman. He was an avid diver and fisherman. He spent many days braving the treacherous seas with his best friend Edgar Pinder. He enjoyed sport fishing and other water sports, including waterskiing and jet skiing. In his older years, Edgar enjoyed fishing on the rocks or dock. He was always proud to bring home the fruits of his labor for his family to enjoy.
Edgar was a master domino and whist player. He loved playing with both family and friends for hours without end. If you did not know the game, no matter your age, Edgar would take the time to teach you. After which he would play with you and beat you at the game.
Farewell
Edgar began to face health challenges in September 2023and on December 20th, 2023, which was the day of his 82ndbirthday; he was airlifted to New Providence where he underwent surgery. On January 5th while recovering at his daughter’s house he asked his caretaker for the time and told her that he had somewhere to go before 12 noon, but he could not tell her where he had to go. At 11:45a.m. on this same day Edgar answered the Master’s call and departed this world. May his soul rest in peace and rise in Glory.
PREDECEASED CHILDREN: Madeline Dean, Carolyn, and Wilton Gardiner
EDGAR IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE: Doreen. A. Gardiner; CHILDREN: Carlton Alonza (Ava), Juan Wayne Sr. (Delona)Gardiner, Valencia Estella (Charles) Curtis, Brister Dean; GRANDCHILDREN: Anastasia(Trevino) Russell, Alonza, Yolanda, Juan Jr. (Nikita) and Kadeesha Gardiner, Emerald (Pascual) Gomez; Chauncey, Brijuan Dean; Krizia Thompson, Charzia,Charlos Curtis and Latoya Johnson; GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Jaidyn, Tahiri Russell;Aiden, Ky’ara Gardiner; Peyton, Preston Gomez, Owen Sands; Kiley and JazaeJohnson; SIBLINGS: Geneth Brown and Lilymae Trotman- Maycock; AUNT IN LAW:Agnes Bethel; UNCLE IN LAW: Donald Fernander; SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN LAW:Dewitt (Nancy), Shervin (Michelle), Howard (Valerie), Harry (Deborah), Marion,Shirley, Bridgette, Iris Fernander, Deloris (Glenville) Thompson, Mary (Tanis)Desinor; NIECES AND NEPHEWS: Sonja Gardiner, Joann Cambridge, Emeline, Morine,Gregory Prescod, Dora Stephens, Philip, Gregory, Viola “Pinkie”, AnishkaMaycock, Gaye & Kenroy Thompson, Toni, Telesene & Phyllis Thompson,Karen Gertrude, Lisa, Janice, Stacia, Bess, Alma, Dianne, Ester & VerdaGardiner, Geneal Sweeting, Cynthia McKenzie,Veronica McKinney, Judy Howell, Fredricka & Joan Trotman, Mark Brown &Teran Davis, Michael, Tyrone, Oswald, Charles, Vincent, Simeon, Brent, Michael,Astrid, Krishma, Andrew Jr., Ryan, Father Travis, Desmond, Laveldo, Angelo, Joslin, Dominique, Robyn, Akia,Destinie, Anya, Teddy, Amy, Rapheal, Dante’, Francina, Harry Jr, Harrison, Hubert, Brandon,Fernander, Deidre Austin, AndreaSaunders, Althea Willie, Denise & Dawnae Thompson, Shavonne Avery, OsbourneFerguson, Lemmon and Renee Munroe, Anthia Beauchamp, Katrina & SylvesterPrescod, Samantha Roberts, Wendy Armbrister, Anton & Kendra Gibson, LashantaCulmer, Shalan Grant; NUMEROUS GRANDNEICES AND NEPHEWS TOO MANY TO MENTION; HOST OF OTHER RELATIVES AND FRIENDSINCLUDING: Latasha Cleare (Adopted daughter), Gaeten Dorvillius (Caretaker),Jimmy Alceva, Cecil Petty, Sidney Similien, The families of Edgar and Dina Pinder & family, Mark Thompson,Shirley Rolle, Rowena McKlewhite, Phillip Bethel, Rosemary Gardiner, PaulSimmon, Perry Clarke, Katie Frost, Thomas & Donna Lockwood, Doug &David Goodfellow, Bill Woodhouse, David Wockenfuss, Wayne Masterman, Mr.&Mrs. Goodman, Dr. Sidney Smith, Dr. Patrick Whitfield, Father Ivan Eldon, Father James Palacious, Father Harry Bain, Father Colin Saunders,Father Jonathan Archer, Father Scott Brennen, Rev’d Willish Johnson, The SandsFamily, The Curtis Family, The C.O.B. Nursing Class of 1992, The St. Patrick’sAnglican church family, and the entire community of Governor’s Harbour.
