After an amazing life of 88 years, Brook passed away on July 26, 2024, with his loving wife and best friend of 48 years, Jennifer Fraser, at his side.

Brook was the father of John Gardner (Jane) of London, England; proud grandfather of Dr. Andrew Gardner (Emma Elliston) and Rebecca Gardner (Dominic McCoy), who were of London, England; great-grandfather of Toby Gardner of London, England; dear brother of Cheryl Clark; and Uncle of Mary Griffiths-Clark (Geoffrey Harvey) of Wales.

Brook will be sorely missed by his dear friend Arnold Abramson of Vancouver; Jen’s niece; Liarna White of New Zealand; his family; his extended chosen family, Sharon, George, Malcolm, and Jennifer of Bayfield, ON; his dear friends, Val, Lynn, Leslie, Kathryn, and Heather of Kingsville, ON; and especially by his four-legged friends, Bella the rescue Greyhound and Mizu the rescue kitty.

Brook was a true renaissance man whose innate curiosity, intelligence, drive, and energy resulted in him pursuing and accomplishing a myriad of skills, interests, and abilities as well as inspiring others to follow their own passions.

After practicing as a dentist in Vancouver, BC, Brook moved to the NWT as an instructor at the School of Dental Therapy, where he and Jenny met. Always accepting new challenges, Brook shifted into teaching and administration in Higher Education as Dean of Health Sciences and Dean of Continuing Education at St. Clair College, Windsor, and retired in 1999.

Retirement simply meant more time for Brook to pursue new sources of information — and strive to earn the highest grade possible. A committed life-long learner and teacher, Brook often started a conversation with "Do you know?"

After studying in person at UBC, the University of Windsor, and Western University, he was an early adopter of online education, where he could explore his limitless interest in photography, astronomy, mineralogy, real-estate, drone navigation, painting, birding, nutrition, gardening, and so much more.

As well as his educational pursuits, Brook had countless hobbies and pastimes. He held a Pilots License which led, in later life, to being an active member of the Southern RC Flyers, Kingsville, ON. Also an avid sailor, Brook was a past Commodore of Cedar Island Yacht Club. His enthusiasm for life and commitment to wellbeing and fitness (along with his personal trainer, Pollyanna) belied his chronological age.

A true explorer at heart, he will always be remembered for his wonderful laugh, willingness to learn, and that twinkle in his eye that always meant you were about to have an adventure together, whether that was intellectually through fascinating conversation or out in the world travelling overland, in the air, or on the water.

He loved animals and never missed an opportunity to rescue any and all that crossed his path. Over the years, he made financial contributions to many animal causes and provided a space in his home for many four-legged and feathered friends. His dedication to the environment and all living things throughout his life truly left this world and those who live in it better than he found it.

Cremation has taken place, as per Brook's wishes, with a private celebration of life to be held at a later date. If so desired, a memorial donation may be made in Brook's memory to the Erie Wildlife Rescue or to the Windsor-Essex County Humane Society. Arrangements are entrusted to Cremation First (Leamington) 519-398-9188. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at Cremation First.