Oliver James Gardner…

The seas have sailed our beloved Ollie to the shores of Fiddler's Green, a mythical paradise where seasoned sailors gather to toast their arrival to the afterlife! Ollie's earthly journey came to an end on June 16, 2025 when his 'off watch' became a reality.

As the youngest child of Charles and Madeline Gardner, Oliver was born on March 13th, 1948 in New Hampshire, joining his older siblings, Sharon and Fred. He spent his childhood in Easton and Presque Isle, Maine, where no doubt the snowy winters and agricultural bounty piqued his curiosity to ski the mountains and 'planted the seed' for his future in horticulture.

In the early '70s, he left Maine and Vermont became his next quest, lugging along with him white ash baskets that he peddled on Church Street, tested his talents at milking cows and did his share of apple picking for pocket money and survival!

From Church Street to Essex Junction, Ollie joined the faculty at Albert D. Lawton School for 3.5yrs teaching English & Reading at the middle school level. And if you knew Ollie…he was a master of storytelling and grammar! He will also be remembered for his passionate commitment and involvement as a coach and mentor, encouraging his students to participate in the school's skiing and hiking clubs. He taught them that there was much to learn in and outside of the classroom!

He loved to drift from one adventure to the next, each one having a profound impact on him and his fellow travelers. Ollie and his good friend, Ray Clavelle, shared ownership of a Christmas tree farm in New Brunswick, Canada. Despite the unique stories (and there were plenty!), the trees made it back to the States in time for holiday sales. His love for tending to his evergreen grove, led him to study horticulture at the University of Vermont.

With new confidence and an opportunity for ownership, Oliver opened the 4 Seasons Garden Center in Williston, Vermont. Following 25 successful years, he decided to 'uproot' the business and 'transplanted' it to a brand new, modern nursery across the way to nearby Taft Corners, which quickly became the hub for every gardening enthusiast, regardless of skill levels. Ollie was a master gardener, knowledgeable of all things that grew in and above ground! He eventually sold his thriving business to Gardner's Supply and remained as a consultant until his retirement five years later, in 2013.

Oliver's enjoyment wasn't limited to the land; he was equally enchanted by the sea. His love for the ocean began at age 10, sparked by the television series Adventures in Paradise—an incredible coincidence given the shows main actor's off-screen name was Gardner McKay!

Raising the sails and settling into the familiar comfort of his captain's chair brought Ollie a deep sense of contentment. He christened his boat the "Panacea," a name that symbolized a cure-all for life's afflictions. Panacea navigated him across countless oceans, sometimes for months at a time. Oliver's captain's log was filled with a whole host of voyages to many islands including the Caribbean, Panama, San Blas, the Galapagos, Hawaiian Islands and the South Pacific —a mere sampling of his ports. He always returned with a handful of new memories, stories and what he would call, "successful ocean therapy!"

For the past ten years, Vermont winters gave him the perfect excuse to venture to his favorite island in French Polynesia: Huahine, nicknamed "The Garden of Eden." There, it didn't take long for the locals to befriend the mariner, initiating him into their culture and traditions. Dubbed the "Pied Piper," it was a common sight to see Ollie wheeling into town, surrounded by children and pets, on his way to the docks. There, he would spend the day swapping stories with the fishermen, as they traded tales of their seafaring excursions! The islanders became some of his most cherished friends.

Among his many accomplishments, Oliver was a partner in the Champlain Mill Restaurant (later became The Prime Factor), imported & sold heavy equipment from Europe with business partner, Dick Eastman, served on the Board of Directors for both the Opportunities Credit Union of Chittenden County (establishing the Gardner Small Business Loan Fund) & the Live Like Benjo Foundation & partnered with Marco Llona in "My Garden Post" adventures, to name a few. He was also recognized and honored as the 2005 Vermont Small Business Person of the Year.

Oliver's life was a journey of land and sea, a constant adventure guided by his fierce independence and an incredible ability to navigate every challenge that came his way. His path was never defined by the wheelchair he used for over three decades. Instead, his motivation was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Oliver was blind to boundaries. That was one of his greatest strengths. He found and appreciated beauty everywhere he looked - starting with the colorful, manicured gardens surrounding their stunning home, the majestic backyard views of Mount Philo, many peaceful nights down by the patio firepit and to the brilliant sunrises and sunsets…this was Ollie's home. And in a moment of quiet contentment, he looked to Gayle and said, "Critch, we did pretty good, didn't we?" Indeed!

Oliver is survived by his wife of 33 years, Gayle Critchlow, who served as a partner in every aspect of his life. The void in her heart is also felt by Gayle's siblings and their spouses, along with their families, his nephews Brett, Nate and Jonathan Gardner and their families, many cousins including his occasional partner-in-crime, Robert Gardner!

He will be deeply missed by his cherished friends Paul Goldman, Bill and Karen Doris, Ray Clavelle and Bob and Sue Levine. Remembering Ollie are his many sailing mates, his revered Garden Center staff, the "Locker Rooms Boys" from the Edge, his treasured Huahine friends, who became family and all those who had the ultimate privilege of being part of his life.

The personal and professional care provided by UVM Home Health to Ollie over the past 2½ years was incredibly appreciated. Sincere gratitude is also extended to his dear Audrey, his valued caregiver, who brought Ollie laughter and joy, even allowing him to break the rules on occasion - a true gift.

Join us to celebrate the life of Oliver on October 5th, 2025, from 1-4pm at the Gardner home in Charlotte. RSVP to OGARDNER145@comcast.net. Please bring your favorite stories and memories to share.

On-site parking will be limited. Carpooling is encouraged. Arrangements are in place for parking at the Charlotte Central School (1½ miles away) with scheduled shuttle service.