Helen Gardiner, owner of one of Ontario’s leading breeding operations, died on July 22 at age 70 after a short bout with cancer.
 
Gardiner operated Gardiner Farms in Caledon following the death of her husband, George, in 1998. The farm has accounted for Canada’s leading stallion by progeny earnings the last two years. Bold Executive, who began his stud career at Gardiner Farms in 1989, led the Canadian sire list in 2007 for the fourth time in five years.
 
The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society honored Gardiner as its breeder of the year for 2007. In recent years, the farm bred stakes winners Are You Serious, Bullish Executive, Legal Move, London Snow, Midnight Shadow, and Top Ten List.
 
Gardiner Farms also stood Ciano Cat, Domasca Dan, Peaks and Valleys, Philanthropist, Raj Waki, Trajectory, and Where’s the Ring in 2008.
 
Born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Gardiner graduated from York University and the Christie’s fine Arts Course in London, England. She received the Order of Canada in 2006 for her contribution to Toronto’s Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art.

The Gardiner family will receive friends at Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Ave. W., in Toronto, on Sunday. A service of celebration will be held at St. James Cathedral, 65 Church St., Toronto, on Monday at 11 a.m., followed by a private burial. A reception will follow honoring Gardiner. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Gardiner Museum, 111 Queen’s Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7, Attention: Helen Gardiner Fund.