Canadian conservative author, thought leader, and Olympian William Gairdner has died. He was 83.
Gairdner died Jan. 12, True North has learned.
Gairdner, born in 1940 in Oakville, Ont., was a prolific author, essayist, and columnist. Some of his published books include “The Great Divide: Why Liberals and Conservatives Will Never, Ever Agree,” “The Trouble with Canada,” and “The War Against the Family.”
Gairdner earned a PhD in English literature from Stanford University and went on to teach English at York University. He was also an Olympic decathlete, competing in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Gairdner previously described himself as “libertarian in economic matters, and a Burke-ian conservative in social matters.”
One aspect of Gairdner’s legacy was founding Civitas, a Canadian society made up of people committed to the “principles and traditions of a free and ordered society.”
Civitas’ past president, True North editor-in-chief Candice Malcolm, said Gairdner’s life was “remarkable.”
“Bill Gairdner was a tremendous man and one of the most influential modern Canadians. He leaves behind an incredible and enduring legacy, in his books, essays and videos, the civic organization he founded and led, Civitas, and perhaps most importantly, in his wonderful and beautiful family,” Malcolm said.
“He lived a remarkable life, competing and representing Canada at the Olympics, reading and memorizing poetry and philosophy, writing deep and important books about Canada and our moral fabric, being active in his community, building a civic organization that has committed members across the country, remaining physically strong and active into his twilight years — including a great enthusiasm for cross-country skiing.”
Until his last days, Gairdner was publishing blog posts, posting videos, and writing columns for the Epoch Times on topics such as democracy, totalitarianism, liberalism, climate alarmism, and the Constitution.
“Bill was a pillar of his community and a model Canadian,” Malcolm said.
“On a personal level, I got to know Bill and his lovely wife Jean at the annual Civitas conferences over the years. Bill was an active attendee, participant and often speaker who initiated spirited debates and advocated for a better Canada, strongly rooted in tradition and liberty. He became a mentor and teacher to me during my time as president of that organization. I was always pleasantly surprised by the energy, enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and insight he brought to the table, but also by his humility and kindness in allowing others to carry on his torch.”
Gairdner is survived by Jean, whom he married in 1979, and their five children and sixteen grandchildren.
Malcolm called Gairdner’s death a loss for Canada.
“Canada has lost a legend and our community has lost one of its brightest leaders,” she said. “May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing.”
