We Remember

GARDNER, Roy William

August 18, 1943 — July 4, 2026

Roy Gardner passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, after a life dedicated to broadcasting, community, and animal welfare.

Born in Windsor, Ontario, Roy spent his childhood in Souris, Manitoba. He began his broadcasting career in 1964 at CKX-TV in Brandon, Manitoba, before working in Kelowna and Kamloops, British Columbia. In 1973, he joined CHEK-TV in Victoria, where he spent 15 years and eventually became General Manager.

In 1987, Roy moved to BCTV (now Global BC) in Vancouver, serving in senior executive roles before retiring as General Manager of Global BC in 2008. Throughout a broadcasting career spanning more than four decades, Roy was widely respected for his leadership and contributions to the industry. While serving at BCTV/Global, an event near and dear to Roy’s heart was the annual fundraiser “Variety Show of Hearts” telethon.

Roy also served as President of the BC Association of Broadcasters during the 1989–1990 term and was honoured with the BC Association of Broadcasters’ Joint Radio and Television Broadcaster of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to broadcasting in British Columbia.

Although retired in Peachland, Roy returned to CHEK-TV in 2013 as President and General Manager, helping guide the station through an important period of organizational restructuring.

Those who knew Roy will remember him not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his kindness, fairness, and willingness to support others.

Roy had a lifelong love of animals, particularly poodles, which he admired for their intelligence. His final companion was a rescued poodle cross, reflecting his commitment to animal welfare.

To continue supporting a cause that was important to him, Roy has initiated the establishment of the Roy Gardner Animal Welfare Fund with the Benefaction Foundation.

In accordance with his wishes, Roy will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony in Peachland, British Columbia.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

 

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The Roy Gardner Animal Welfare Fund - Benefaction Foundation

 


 


Condolences

  • David Anderson says:

    I am saddened to hear of Roy’s passing, and I wish everyone touched by his passing healing and comfort, especially all those in my family in BC and Alberta.

  • Clive Jackson says:

    What sad news to wake up to this morning. Roy Gardner was a mentor and a friend through all my years at BCTV/Global. He was a gentle man and a gentleman, A kind, talented professional who carried himself with dignity and really cared about the people who worked for him during some turbulent times. He was an icon in the broadcasting industry who will long be revered in the station’s history. I will raise to a glass of his favourite Kettle Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to Roy tonight. It was an honour and a pleasure to have known him.

  • Wendy McNeil says:

    Uncle Roy was a wonderful member of our family and we all will miss him greatly.

  • Kim says:

    Compassion, perseverance, determination, intelligence, selfless, honourable. The first words that describe our uncle Roy. He dedicated his life to serving the people, family, friends, community, the world ❤️ His legacy will forever be remembered through his work in the kids telethon fundraisers and through the Daisy Foundation❤️

    Uncle Roy gave us opportunities for travel and life enriching family trips, he cared for us deeply and we will never forget what he did for us kids . Love you forever Roy, see you on the other side ❤️

  • Rob Germain says:

    On behalf of all the employees at CHEK, I want to express our deep condolences. As CHEK celebrates its 70th anniversary, we look back at all those who shaped the station. Roy stands as a person who led with integrity and kindness. He was universally admired. I am personnally grateful for Roy coming out of retirement to help the employee-ownership through a challenging transition period – something he did out of the goodness of his heart, refusing any compensation. Roy’s passing was recognized on our newscast last night. He remains forever in our hearts.

  • Paul says:

    I will miss our A&W meet ups– Roy was a good man

  • Bill Bishop says:

    I met Roy in the summer of ’75, while joining CHEK. A true professional and proficient at any task he performed. I admired both his skill level and self discipline concerning his pain due to child hood polio. Though leaving CHEK in 1989, our paths crossed multiple times at Broadcast conferences over the decades. He was one of several senior broad castors I had the privilege to work with, and a man I admired. It was a pleasure Roy!

  • Jim & Marline Pope says:

    Roy was someone that I only met about 11 years ago but I became very fond of him. His kind and gentle nature was nothing but an inspiration to me and qualities I would like to have myself. He was a role model to me. His obvious love that I witnessed for Daisy and Harry demonstrated who he really was.

  • Alex Robertson says:

    A true friend and gentleman, outstanding leader. A special mentor to so many of us.

  • Sharon Bianco says:

    I worked with Roy for many years at BCTV/ Global.
    He was a very kind and gentle man. We both had a love of dogs. He was an exceptional boss very fair and easy to talk to. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

  • Catherine Brenton says:

    Roy was a special man – one of the kindest people that I worked with for close to 20 years at BCTV/Global. My condolences to Roy’s family and friends.

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