A Superior Court Judge will rule on May 21, 2021 on the sentence of a Brampton man who plead guilty to two counts of dangerous driving causing death in a horrific crash that occurred on August 3, 2017 on Highway 401 at Port Hope.
Todd Gardinier (age 26) from Newcastle and his cousin Michael Glazier (age 35) from Guelph were on their way to a family cottage to take part in a yearly golf tournament for the weekend celebrating Gardiner’s fathers (Terry) birthday.
Without warning the 2016 Volvo cab and trailer driven by Baljinder Singh (age 59) slammed into their pickup truck which had almost stopped as a result of construction.
Both vehicles along with another were consumed by fire. The two cousins died at the scene.
Evidence showed Singh would have had a clear view of the vehicles ahead for 28 seconds or 780 metres (nearly one kilometre) at the 100 kph posted speed limit prior to the collision.
When Singh’s transport struck the pickup in the rear, the pickup went from 14 kilometres per hour to 72 kilometres per hour in a fraction of a second.
Court heard although Singh has no criminal previous record there were eight convictions under the Highway Traffic Act from 2010 to 2016. Those include drive commercial motor vehicle with defect, driver commercial motor vehicle with major defect, improper drive on divided highway, unsafe move, fail to carry/surrender proof of insurance, improper parking, disobey red light and unsafe move.
Singh was charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death and two counts criminal negligence causing death, but plead guilty on February 11, 2021, to two counts of dangerous driving causing death.
Sentencing proceedings began on April 6 in a virtual zoom Superior Court with Madam Justice Jocelyn Speyer presiding, Crown Attorney Russell Wood, Defense lawer Sunny Vincent representing Singh and a interpreter.
Family members of the Gardinier and Glazier submitted 23 Victim Impact Statements with 11 being read in court through tears and anguish that told the story of the two men who lived life to the fullest, taking active parts in their communities through sports, their work and love of their families.
It was clear that, despite the passage of almost four years, the sense of loss for both families and friends remains very raw.
A pre-sentence report was also presented in order to provide details about Singh. That evidence included the fact that Singh has no prior criminal record and has been employed as a commercial truck driver since 2008. Prior to obtaining his commercial drivers’ licence, Singh was a preacher both in Canada and in his birthplace, India.
Sing filed a formal letter of apology expressing remorse over the loss that the families of Gardiner and Glazier have suffered taking the responsibility of his conduct which resulted in the tragedy.
Court also heard that the convictions could result in significant immigration consequences for Singh including the possibility of deportation.
Given the potential immigration consequences, defence counsel, Sunny Vincent, has sought a jail term of five-and-a-half months. Meanwhile Crown Attorney Russ Woods made submissions for a penitentiary term in the range of two to three years.
Justice Speyer adjourned until May 21, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. for sentencing.
Today’s Northumberland is posting Singh’s formal letter of apology along with all the Victim Impact Statements in their entirety.
Letter of Apology from Baljinder Singh
I Baljinder Singh. Since this accident, my life has been turned upside down.
I pray every day for the souls of the dead. I pray for the souls, Todd Gardiner and Michael Glazier. I know my prayers cannot bring them back.
I pray to God to give their families the fortitude to bear the loss. I can only imagine the pain and suffering these families are going through.
My mental health has been affected.
Each time I pray, the families of victims come to my mind – every time. I again think about the whole scene of the accident again. I feel very down and sorry. I feel very guilty about what happened all the time. I think about the accident all the time and I pray all the time for the families of the victims. I ask God for forgiveness every day. I ask for my forgiveness and blessings for the victims families. I am unable to sleep sometimes I am awake all the night and I keep thinking about the whole accident. I feel too much down then I keep praying. When I try to eat again I think of the families and I don’t feel like eating anything. I can’t forgive myself. I never even think bad of anyone but this accident happened and I blame myself. I couldn’t do anything for saving them. I am taking a lot of medicine for stress and depression but I feel nothing is working for me. Sometimes I think if court takes back my Permanent Residence and send me back to India, police is going to kill me there. But, that’s ok. I feel that would be a punishment for me for the accident.
I feel I will only feel better if families of the victims can forgive me. I am afraid if I am unable to survive in jail because of my poor health, I would never be able to apologize from the victims families. I request court to please let me apologize to the victims families and let me help them in any way I can.
Victim Impact Statements
Todd’s Mother, Pauline Gardiner:
One of a kind, an amazing soul, a joy to be around, caring, loving, loyal, goofy, respectful, outgoing, unique, a person of caliber, passionate, friend, best friend, our glue, brother, original, kind, hilarious, man of steel and a hero! Those are some of the words that people used and still use to describe Todd. Todd came into your life and changed it for the better! Words cannot express the sorrow that is felt by an entire community!
I am Todd’s Mother Pauline.
Most people think that their kids are special, but my son, my only child, Todd, was a gift!
He not only was a gift to his father and me and his fiancé Nicole, his family and his friends but
he was a gift to everyone he met! Todd loved life and he lived life to the fullest! Todd was
bursting with creativity and energy! His warm smile and loving character brought people
together. He was a caring and accepting young man who would light up any room when he
walked in! Todd had a sense of humour nobody else could match! To be around Todd and not be
laughing was impossible! Todd was a wonderful son, a loving fiancé and a great friend! He was
such a bright spot in everyone’s life! Todd loved his life and everyone in it and he a bright future
ahead of him!
Todd’s greatest passion (besides Nicole) was hockey! People would say he had the heart
and grit for the game! When Todd got older and there wasn’t an ice hockey team to play on he
joined ball hockey convincing his friends to join him. Before long Todd was asked to coach a
young ball hockey team and he took his friends under his wing and taught them to coach the
team with him. His friends later told me this became their favourite part of the week! Todd had
been asked to coach a young ice hockey team September 2017. He was so excited and told
Nicole his dream was to follow in his Grandfather’s and Uncles’ footsteps and coach hockey for
40 years! That dream will never happen for Todd!
Todd and Mike were very intelligent and could carry on a conversation with anybody
about anything. Todd graduated from Fleming College in carpentry and was a proud member of the Local 397 Carpenters’ Union. Todd worked as a carpenter for 8 years but he found time to
also follow his passion and take a script writing course at Algonquin College so he could write
comedies to make people happy. Mike took a course in Police Foundations at Durham College
and after graduating was offered a position in campus security. Mike’s dream was to eventually
work as a Border Patrol Guard. Both Todd and Mike graduated with honours with big dreams,
dreams that will never happen now.
Family meant the whole world to Todd and Mike, they came to every family get together!
We had many family traditions. At Christmas Todd, us and the dog and sometimes small cousins
and eventually Nicole would go together to cut down a Christmas tree then come home and
while Christmas music would play we would decorate it together! Thanksgiving was always up
at the cottage with all the family and Todd loved it when we all got together for a family hockey
game! Todd was the center of our lives! When Mike walked into any room his infectious smile
world light up the room. Todd’s grin and creative mind brought laughter and excitement to
anything he ever did. Everybody who came into Todd and Mike’s orbit instantly knew that they
were somebody they would remember for the rest of their lives. We could see what Todd had to
offer the world during his short life. He brought love and laughter to all.
Mike had met April and they had planned to get married June 2018. That dream of a
happy life for Mike and April was taken away from them. Todd had known Nicole since they
were both 12 years old. Through the years they started talking to each other while Nicole was
teaching in England. When she came back home they began dating and were barely apart. We
could see how much they loved each other. Todd and Nicole moved into an apartment together
and started making plans for their lives together. They talked about getting married (Todd
planned to give Nicole an engagement ring Christmas of 2017). They wanted to have a house
and have children. They would have made great parents. He had a wonderful future ahead of
him. We had a beautiful life with Todd and Nicole to look forward to!
There will never be a wedding for Todd. He won’t get the house with Nicole that he
wanted and Todd will never be a father or grandfather. We will never see his smile, we will
never share his happiness and we will never have a grandchild! But worst of all, we will never
see Todd again! Our beautiful, loving son only got to live for 26 years!! Todd deserved to have a
happy long life! Over 50 years were stolen from Todd! Todd was doing good in the world in only 26 years! Some people get to live out their lives to old ages whether they do good or bad.
My son was doing good why couldn’t he have his life?
I cry for my son every waking minute of the day, I am empty inside, I don’t feel anything
but sorrow, I walk around with a knot in my stomach, I have no taste for food. Todd’s father and
I are both on anxiety medication and I am also taking anti-depressants. We have both been to our
minister and counselors and I am still seeing a psychologist under the guidance of a psychiatrist.
Terry takes sleeping pills to try and get a couple hours of sleep and I have to keep the TV on to
try and stop my mind from racing. Racing back to the day, August 3rd 2017, when our son Todd
and nephew Mike were stolen from us. I relive that night over and over again. Remembering the
police officers at my door telling me my beloved 26 year old son had been killed and my life was
over! He was only 26! Mike was only 35!
August 3rd, like many other days, used to be a joyous one as its Todd’s dad’s birthday.
Todd was always so excited to celebrate his dad, he couldn’t wait to get to the cottage to show
him the gifts he and Nicole made and bought for Terry. While Todd’s dad and I were away on
holidays Todd made plans and designed and built two benches for us to enjoy up at the cottage.
Todd was so proud and so excited to see our faces when we saw the benches. Todd didn’t get the
chance to see our proud faces because that was the day he was killed. It will have been 4 years
this August, we no longer celebrate Terry’s birthday, how can we without our son?
I am angry all the time now, I cry all the time, I feel empty inside, my heart aches for my
son. My heart was ripped from my chest when my beloved Todd was killed. All the things I
enjoyed doing I have no interest in them! I feel cheated! He didn’t just kill two beautiful and
gentle souls, Todd and Mike, but he killed our family! We have no life left. Todd was our life!
Todd was our only child! If you have never lost a child yourself you can never know my pain!
There are no words anyone can say that will take away our pain, grief and anger over the
despicable, horrific act that was done to our beloved son Todd and our nephew Mike! Todd’s
father and I are living in a nightmare which we will never wake up from!
Todd’s Father, Terry Gardiner:
My son, Todd, was bright, smart, energetic and always gave 120% in everything he did. I
was always so proud of him and his accomplishments. He had the type of personality that would
just attract people to him or make you laugh if you were feeling down. Todd always came as
soon as he could if I needed a hand with anything.
Todd was the type that saw the good in everyone, he was a friend to all! He loved life and
wanted everyone else to love life too. If he saw that you were sad he would make you laugh.
Todd and I were very close, we had a very special bond. We both loved sports and the outdoors.
We enjoyed each other’s company, we enjoyed doing many things together. Like our times at the
cottage, just being outdoor together, just being together. I still cannot do memories, it hurts to
know we will never just be together again.
Todd had a bright future, his whole life, to look forward to. He was going to ask Nicole
to marry him. They were saving for a home, they wanted to have children together.
They say time heals all. It can’t ever heal the emptiness I feel inside.
Todd loved his sports; hockey, golf, ball hockey and bowling. He loved coaching kids in
ball hockey and he was going to coach them in ice hockey that fall as well. Todd had played ice
hockey all his life and had a passion for it, in later years it was harder to get the ice time so Todd
started playing ball hockey. In fact Todd started up a ball hockey team of his own with his
friends, naming the team “Gerbsaks”. Todd organized tournaments and got his team sweaters, he
wanted to make sure they could all play the sport he loved with him. Todd received a Memorial
award that was just started in 2017 and it is to be awarded to the “Player of the Game”. They
awarded the first one to Todd because he was always the player of the game when he played.
People always said Todd had the heart and the gift for the game. They renamed the ball hockey
division to “The Gardiner Division”. One of Todd’s dreams was to coach hockey for 40years like
his Grandpa and his Uncle Dave (his Godfather). That dream along with his other dreams will
never come true for Todd because he was stolen from us.
Todd was a carpenter by trade, a member of the carpenters union in Port Hope. He was
well liked by many other carpenters as well as the boss. Todd was very talented in anything he did, carpentry, sports, script writing which he took at Algonquin College. It didn’t matter what,
Todd excelled in it.
Mike was my nephew and he was loved by everyone. Mike was always happy and his
smile would light up any room. Mike coached and played hockey but his greatest passion was for
golf. He was carrying his new golf club when he left with Todd to meet his father and uncles up
at the cottage. That was on August 3rd, 2017 and Mike was only 35. It was my birthday… We as
parents are supposed to protect our children. We all have wished we could have done something
so this horrific, devastating and senseless act that killed two fine young men wouldn’t have
happened. We live this nightmare every day. Instead of planning Todd’s 27th birthday on August
29th we had to plan Todd and Mike’s funeral. No parent should have to bury their child. Anyone
who hasn’t lost a son or daughter will never know the pain we suffer every day.
I miss Todd so much! Todd’s mother and I could hardly wait for his visits. I miss our
talks. I miss sitting and watching the hockey game together or a movie. I miss when I’d be sitting
in my chair downstairs and he’d come home and sneak up behind me, put a head lock on me and
say he was hugging me. I miss Todd and Nicole coming over on Sundays for dinner, after which
we would go watch his ball hockey game then come back to our house and just talk. I miss him
every second of every day and night. Every holiday, every family event, he was always there
with us.
For the past four years we all had to sit in court and hear the details of the horrific way
Todd and Mike were killed. We went to the pre-trial and had to sit through it all again, hear all
about the careless actions taken that caused our beloved son and nephews deaths. I had tried to
block those things in my head but sitting in court brings it all back. All the heart-ache and
emptiness. Pauline spent the next days in her room crying. I listen to Todd’s mother cry every
day and night for the loss of our son and0 nephew, every day for nearly 4 years! I feel there is
nothing I can do. I’m just here for her.
On top of watching my wife fall apart and trying to cope without my son the stress and
anxiety affected my own wellbeing. I normally went to the doctors yearly for checkups but when
Todd was killed I was more focused on caring for my wife, as she’s all I have now. Since I was
depressed, stressed and overwhelmed I neglected my checkups and now I have been diagnosed with a condition, had my son been here, it would have been caught earlier and prevented or may
not have happened at all as I wouldn’t have been stressed and depressed. The worse part of it all
is I just want him here.
I wanted to take our dog for a walk so I drove over to the lakefront trail. I immediately
realized it was a mistake because Todd and I used to ride our bikes there and walk our other dog
Buddy every day after dinner. We even planted some of the trees on the trail when Todd was in
Cubs. I broke down! I can’t do it anymore! Nothing matters now, there is no point. I don’t have
any interest in anything. Everything we did involved our son Todd, now we have nothing. I
haven’t gone golfing since and Todd’s mother and I can’t even go back to the bowling league
because we would watch the door waiting for Todd to get there every Thursday.
I try to keep myself busy doing things to get through the day but it doesn’t work! My son,
Todd, and nephew, Mike, are in my thoughts every second. I take anxiety pills and sleeping pills
every night but they aren’t helping. I get 3-4 hours a sleep then I toss and turn and keep reliving
the nightmare over and over.
This person didn’t just kill our two son’s he killed us that day too. Without Todd we have
no future, he was our only child. We’ll never have any grandchildren, when we go there’s no one
left. I’ll never celebrate another birthday again as they were killed on my birthday! No future,
nothing to look forward to, no happiness, just sadness and emptiness.
I wish I had told Todd that “I love you” more often. I wish we had golfed together more,
it now seems like we were always in different groups. I wish I had of spent a lot more time with
him. I wish I had of told him how proud I was of him and his accomplishments. I miss playing
cards with him at home and at the cottage. I miss the four of us spending time together and being
at the cottage relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. I miss our talks or I’d say “I’ll talk to
you about it later”. But later never came. I talk to him quite often now and always before I go to
bed at night. It’s just not the same and never will be again. Our lives are totally changed forever.
My empty heart will never heal.
With Todd’s skills, imagination, sense of humour he could have been anything he wanted
to be. Todd might have been an NHL coach, he could have written a script for the next hit
comedy show. We will never see what he would have become because over 60 years of his life was stolen from him. We all had a good and loving life but now we live in a nightmare that we
will never wake from. I just hope Todd and Mike are in a better place and he’s driving his truck
and playing hockey and golf. I feel empty inside. I just want him here so I can hug him. I miss
him so bad. No future without him. He was everything, our reason for being. The world was a
better place with Todd and Mike in it!
Mike’s Mother, Debbie Glazier:
I’m Mike’s Mom Debbie.
My son Mike was a very likable young man. Mike’s passion was golfing which is why he
was so excited on that day, August 3rd. Todd and Mike were on their way to the cottage to spend
the weekend golfing with their dads and uncles. Mike’s best friends were his family, his brother,
aunts, uncles and cousins. Mike had an amazing sense of humor! His favour time of the year was
April Fool’s Day so he could prank his mom and dad. His dad and Mike always told jokes to
each other. He loved comedy especially the TV show Seinfeld.
Mike was a very happy go lucky person, when he came home he would smile and make
me so happy. When we lost our son we lost a very nice daughter-in law to be. Since Mike was
killed we learnt that Mike and April were going to adopt a baby, a grandchild for us. That baby
will miss out on wonderful parents, and Mike would have made a wonderful dad. Mike’s brother,
Robert, lost a good brother and friend. Robert and Kristine are expecting a baby, my future
grandson will never know his Uncle Mike.
Mike stood up against bullying and hated animal abuse. He was very gentle and kind.
As of August 3rd our lives have changed dramatically. I miss Mike every day and every
minute of the day! I am very heart broken. I’m numb, shocked, can’t work. I’m on medication for
depression and to help me sleep. I have never been on any type of pills before but now need them
just to function. I’m going to miss the Holidays, Mike’s birthday and his hugs. Mike’s father and I
were excited about 2018, Mike and April were getting married in June and Robert’s baby is
going to be here too. We still have the baby to look forward to, but without Mike’s bright light
even that seems to have dimmed.
Mike’s Father, Mark Glazier:
I’m Mike’s Dad Mark.
Mike was full of life. He made us laugh and cared about everyone. Mike spent all his
time with his extended family including aunts, uncles and cousins. Mike enjoyed bowling with
his family, encouraging his aunt Pauline and teasing his competitive mom. But Mike’s passion
was golf. Mike was always happy to be out golfing with me and his uncles, which is where he
was excitedly heading on August 3rd. As a child Mike also played hockey, and now enjoyed
watching it as an adult. Mike would always get involved in the family hockey pool, picking New
York Ranger players since he was such an big fan.
Mike would light up a room when he entered.
When Mike was 20 years old he had open heart surgery. Mike was always a fighter
because he wanted to live and enjoy life. Mike went back to school after working for several
years to get a better education. He always worked hard.
Mike found the love of his life in April. They were going to get married next June and
adopt a baby. Mike’s brother is having a baby and he was so excited to become an uncle. Mike’s
hopes and dreams have been torn apart.
Our lives will never be the same because of what that man did that horrible day. I can’t
function any more. I go through the motions of living but I now just exist. I try to stay strong for
Debbie, Mike’s mom, but it’s so hard. My nerves are shot, I haven’t slept since and my bowels
aren’t functioning. That man ripped apart our families, taken away all our hopes and dreams.
Mike was the sunshine in our lives and that lights gone out. That man didn’t only take our son’s
life but also our nephew, Todd, who we loved like a son. That man destroyed many lives that
day!
Mike’s Brother, Robert Glazier:
Due to this tragedy I have lost my very best friend and ONLY brother, Mike. The forever
bond that I shared with Mike, all the inside jokes and funny moments can occur no longer. I can
only live with memories. The light and laughter is lost forever, my forever bond and plan to
grow old together is gone. All of our couples date nights are gone, my chance to be a best man
for my only brother is lost. The opportunity to see him get married and see his sheer happiness is
lost. Mike was accepting of my choices and often had an older brother wisdom about him, a
sixth-sense to my pain and heartbreak at time and I will miss his unexpected visits just to “check up” on me. Mike was a great listener, a calming presence and I miss getting his advice on various
things. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. New York Rangers games will never be the same. Holidays and
family events are now so different, all lacking Mike’s contagious smile, love for life and
enthusiasm. I now have an overwhelming feeling of guilt, being the older brother and not being
able to protect my younger brother. My work life is affected by this tragedy, as any overhead
page announced is a heart-stopping reminder of where I was when the bad news was told to me.
My camping and wrestling buddy is gone. My future, special needs, step-daughter has forever
been changed as my brother, her “boyfriend’s” bond and crush is now no more. She lost her
sports quiz buddy and her audible ticking heart “boyfriend”. She has lost an uncle and our baby
son, in utero, now has no uncle and future god-daddy. This was a role he was really looking
forward to. I now have nothing but memories to hold onto due to this big-rig truck driver’s
negligence and carelessness.
Honourable Court:
Mike was a kind, loveable man, who loved life, his friends and family. He had an
infectious smile that lit up any room he walked into. To me he was the love of my life.
My other half of my soul. He made me whole. He could take a bad day and make it
better. My life truly began when I met him 7 years ago. We did everything together. We
would go on trips, go camping, or just hop in the car and go for a drive. His sense of
humour was contagious. He would tell corny jokes and make you laugh even if you did
not want to. The happiest day of my life was on December 24, 2016 when he got down
on one knee and proposed to me. We were both excited to start planning our wedding.
We set a date for Saturday June 16,2018. We also planned to adopt a hold after we
were married. Our future looked wonderful and for once I can say I was truly happy with
my life. That all ended on August 3, 2017 when Mike was killed in a car accident.
A part of me died that day and so did my future. Instead of planning for a
wedding, I now had to plan for a funeral. Part of my heart and soul died that day and I
do not know how to get it back. My grief at losing Mike I cannot put into words. Nothing
anybody says or does can help ease the pain. My grief is always there. I’m existing not
living. My nights are long and during the day I keep busy because if I stop to think, my
grief paralyzes me beyond words. I cry most nights in bed because where Mike used to
lay is empty. No one to kiss me good night and hold me. I cry in the mornings because
Michael is not there to kiss me good morning and tell me he loves me.
Mike was my sun, my moon and my stars. He was my world. And now my world
has gone dark. I love my friends and family, but seeing them with their husband or
boyfriends hurts as they have someone to go home to at the end of the day. When I get
home from work, turn the key in the lock and unlock the door to our apartment the silence that surrounds the emptiness is deafening. I then realize no one is there to greet
me and kiss me and ask me how my day was. That is the worst feeling of all.
My spark for life has gone out since Mike died. My world has forever changed
and for once my future is unclear and I do not know where to go from here. I miss Mike
everyday, every hour, every minute, every second and nothing anybody says or does
will ever take this pain and grief away that I carry with me daily. I have never had to be
on any medication to help me sleep or help me get through the day. Now I take a pill to
help me sleep and a pill to help me get through the day. The loss you feel when a loved
one dies is not the worst feeling in the world, missing them for the rest of your life is the
worst.
Before Mike was killed, I was a happy-go-lucky person. Now I find no joy in life. I
try to, but without Mike here my life at best is mediocre. I’m not living, I’m existing. I was
handed a new life that I never asked for and that I did not want. It’s the hardest, most
gut wrenching, horrific life altering thing to live with. My grief is like the ocean. It comes
in waves and today I’m drowning.
Sincerely,
April McGauley
Todd’s Fiancé, Nicole McGee:
I refer to myself as Todd’s fiancé but in reality I never got the chance. Todd was my soul
mate, my sunshine, my life. Todd would put a smile on my face just being himself. He was
always joking around and being silly but he was serious about us. Todd was a caring man, he
would do anything to help his friends and family. He wanted to make sure everyone was as
happy as he was and he would do anything to ensure they were. Whenever I was having a bad
day Todd could always cheer me up, when my sister had to put her dog down Todd “did my
hair” and let me do his just to bring a smile to my face. He was always the person I would turn
to, I need him now and will never have him again. Todd wanted to write comedies, he took a
script writing program at Algonquin College and excelled. Todd and I planned to get settled
down and then spend time focusing on his portfolio so he could start applying for script writing
jobs, the world lost a comedic genius.
Todd was brought up in an amazing family, with loving parents who he idolized. Todd
wanted to be just like his parents, he wanted to buy a house, which we were saving for, then get
married and then have kids. Since Todd was killed I found out he was going to propose on
Christmas, his mother’s birthday, because he knew it would be as much a present for her as it
would be for me. Mike and April were a couple we looked up to. Todd went to Mike for advice
on proposing to me since they were very close. Todd knew he could trust Mike not to say
anything because Mike was the type of guy who wanted to be involved in all family events and
see everyone excited, which they all would have been when Todd proposed.
Mike and Todd were men with integrity, they would admit when they were wrong, they
wouldn’t make excuses. Excuses are a cowards way out, and Todd and Mike knew this.
However, Todd and Mike also did not make selfish decisions because other people’s happiness
was always a priority. They really were amazing men in every way possible.
Todd was part of the Port Hope Carpenter’s Union and was beloved by his bosses and
coworkers. Todd was good at what he did and was preparing to take the final test to become a
Journeyman. Todd and I worked great on projects together, we were a perfect team. We built
benches together at the cottage for his dad’s birthday but his parents never got the chance to
thank him as he was killed on his way to see his dad’s reaction. Todd’s mother and myself have not been back to the cottage since, it is just too painful knowing he was killed on his way to his
favourite place on earth. A place I can no longer enjoy without him. A place where we saw our
future as Todd would tell me how it would one day be ours. We had plans to build our own
house, that dream is gone now. I live at my parent’s house now at 30 years old because I can’t
afford our dream alone, because Todd isn’t here to have our dream, to build our dream, to enjoy
our dream.
After we built our dream house and got married Todd and I would have had children.
Todd coached kids hockey, just like his uncles and grandfather. It was one of his favourite things
to do, and when I saw him with those kids I knew all the more how amazing of a father he would
be. Those kids were looking for their coach that summer and will be heartbroken to learn Todd
can never coach them again. As a teacher, I always wanted to raise my children to be good in
school, enjoy playing sports and be friendly to others. Todd believed in the same things. We
were more than just a couple, we were a perfect match.
Todd and I knew each other since we were 12 years old. We always liked each other,
more than friends but things just didn’t align. In 2013 – 2015 I was teaching in England and we
began an online relationship. I was asked to stay in England but moved home to continue Todd
and my relationship in person, I knew we were meant to be. We both love sports and
videogames. I also loved watching him play hockey and he LOVED to play hockey, we would
always joke that his priorities were 1) hockey, 2) family, 3) friends, but I know that his family
and myself really came first. Todd also enjoyed to golf with his dad and uncles, and Mike of
course! I always wanted to learn to golf so he promised to teach me. Now my father and Todd’s
dad, my father-in-law, have taught me to play so I can feel closer to Todd. Todd and I were also
perfect because of our personalities. I am a very Type A person and Todd was much more
relaxed and carefree. Todd helped me enjoy life and I helped him organize and plan for a future
goal. A goal that was stolen from us and the world.
I still remember Todd holding my hand on August 3rd, and as he lay in bed half asleep
after working midnights I remember saying “You have to let go of my hand I have to go to
work.” He just didn’t want to let go and now I wish I hadn’t. Every day I wish I had done
something different that day, just so he would still be here.Since I was 13 years old I knew I wanted to be Math teacher, a subject that I loved and
had a passion for was hated by so many others and I just wanted to change that. I worked hard to
follow my goal and become a Math teacher so I could inspire students and show how important
and how enjoyable Mathematics can be. Since Todd was killed I haven’t been able to follow that
dream, I cannot emotionally handle a class of 30students, my anxiety is so bad that I get sick to
my stomach every time I attempt to supply teach. My dream of being a teacher has been taken
from me, just like Todd. However, I take some positives away knowing that the subject I love so
much, that I spent time teaching so many young people has helped speak for Todd and Mike
when they could not speak for themselves. I cannot help Todd, I could not save him and that
breaks me, it crushes me every day. I’m just thankful that Mathematics has come through for
Todd.
Todd and I loved to sleep together, we used to wake up to each other and fall asleep to
each other. Now I wake up and fall asleep alone. Todd and I would cuddle every night and if it
was too hot we would hold hands to fall asleep. We slept bare most nights because we wanted to
be as close to each other as possible, I will never feel his warmth of touch again. I have been
plagued by nightmares since he was killed. They all consist of the same premises, I can’t find
him or talk to him and I don’t know why, but when I wake up the reality of the nightmare sets in,
the real nightmare that he is gone forever. Every night I go to bed alone. Every night I ask to
wake up from this nightmare, to wake up every day to emptiness. This statement is supposed to
explain how I have been impacted, but that cannot be described. Think about the person you love
and imagine never holding their hand again, never hugging them or kissing them or cuddling
them when they are sick. If you can imagine that then you may start to understand my pain.
I’ve always wanted to be a wife and mother, but once I was with Todd I knew I needed to
be. I wanted to spend my life taking care of him and our children. I was starting to plan a
daycare, home school center in order to work at home in the future. Now I have no future. All the
plans we made for the future are gone. We will never have the house with wood panelling and
the wood burning stove that Todd and I discussed. The pets we were going to get, Todd loved
animals. The children that we were going to have, who would have had the most loving parents
and grandparents. The chance to grow old together, travel together and experience life together. Children are supposed to take care of their parents and Todd was always there to help his
out. Since Todd was killed I try to honour him and stand in his place. But it’s just not the same. I
love him and his parents and would do anything for them and I try to. However, I have to do it
alone! If I have to take Terry to an appointment I can’t turn to Todd if I have to work I just pull a
15hour day, or if Pauline gets distraught I drop what I am doing to be there for her. Todd should
be here to help, to help his parents, to help me… it’s all on me now, the weight of his world, the
world you stole him from.
My life since the accident has changed drastically. I used to look forward to my future,
now I look forward to nothing. Every day I wake up just to go back to sleep the next night. I
have lost my purpose. When Todd was killed my life was also ended. He was my everything, my
life, my love, my future and without him I don’t have one.
Mike & Todd’s Uncle, Dave Glazier:
I am Todd Gardiner’s uncle and Godfather, and Mike Glazier’s uncle.
I am very honoured to be Todd’s godfather as well as his uncle. I was very close to Todd
from a young age to later. I coached him in hockey where he always played his best and made
the novice select team. Todd played hockey until he was an adult and then he played Ball
hockey, and then he coached kids so he could follow in his Grandpas and uncle’s footsteps.
Todd so much wanted to give back to the kids. Todd was so much like me, he would tell his
parents, “I am like my Uncle Dave”. I was so proud to hear him say that. I miss him so much.
Mike was always happy. Mike spent a lot of time at our cottage with his brother Charlie,
cousins Kristen, Jason and Kimberley. They had a ball together. They were the best times at our
cottage – Mike would always lead the way by telling jokes and his favourite thing to wear was
his rubber boots. We have such vivid memories of those times. As Mike became older he
became an avid golfer. His golfing goal was to beat his Dad and Uncles at golf. He became the
best golfer in the family. I started a Memorial Golf tournament in Mike’s name and donated all
the monies to his favorite charity. I miss Mike dearly. Every time I step up to the tee I think of
Mike.
Todd and Mike would always show up at every family event. We all enjoyed our visits
with the boys and their antics. There was always a joke or three when they got together. Now,
life is not as good without my nephews. We no longer have family get togethers. We will never
see them coach hockey, play golf, marry and have their own children. We are devastated at the
loss of Todd and Mike.
Mike & Todd’s Aunt, Brenda Glazier:
My name is Brenda Glazier. I was Mike Glazier’s and Todd Gardiner’s aunt. That day
in August 2017 was absolutely the worst day of our lives. A day I wish I could erase it from
history. There isn’t a day that goes by, that I don’t think about the boys – something funny that
they said or done, or their birthdays coming up or visits with them during the summer, golf
games, hockey games …
Mike Glazier – Mikey along with his brother Robert used to come to our cottage every
year for a week or so. Mikey always had a smile on his face, loved swimming, loved his rubber
boots (when he was about 8) and loved telling silly jokes, fishing, bugging his girl cousins and
bugging his Aunt Brenda. He was a fun-loving child who grew up to be wonderful young man
who was on the verge of marrying the love of his life – April. We will never know how
wonderful it could have been for Mike and April.
Todd Gardiner – I remember Todd graduating from Grade 8, high school and college for
carpentry. Todd loved playing hockey. I would go and watch him play hockey from when he
was a little guy to a teenager. It was his favorite thing to do. When he missed the net with the
puck, I would draw him a picture of the net – in case he forgot. He would laugh with me. We
used to have family hockey games and we would send Todd to the wrong arena because he was
too good for us old farts. He caught on eventually. Todd had just met Nicole and they were
building a life for themselves – getting married, buying a house, having children, growing old
together. We will never know how many children Todd and Nicole were going to have. A tragic
ending for sure.
There are no more family get togethers, there are no celebrations, life for the entire
extended family is mundane, nothing special and nothing to look forward too. The boys
were ingrained in our family celebrations and woven into our hearts. Now they are gone –
my heart aches for them and their mothers and fathers and myself.
Mike & Todd’s Aunt, Melody Geurts:
I am Melody Marie Geurts. I am writing this because I am the aunt of Michael and Todd,
and Godmother to Todd. These two young men were cousins and best friends.
Todd Terance William Anthony Gardiner was born on August 29th, 1990. That date is
etched in my brain forever….why? because our whole family was gathered for that birth. He
was our miracle child.
My sister had 5 miscarriages before Todd and was hospitalized for a month before he was
born. I had a four month old son Derrick at the time. They went on to be best friends.
I am Todd’s Godmother and I love him with all my heart…
Michael John Glazier was born on April 4th 1982. He is one year older than my oldest
son, Jason. They too went on to be very close. I am Michael’s aunt and I love him with all my
heart…
Our extended family is very close, in fact anyone meeting us can’t believe how close we
are. Any celebration, disappointment, illness, surgery, tragedy, birthday, we are there for each
other.
Michael would light up any room with his infectious smile…. And Todd well he never
really smiled for pictures because he was always pulling faces!!!! Both bringing so much joy to
everyone they met. Todd would show up at my house unannounced and never caring if Derrick
was home or not because he made a special point to see me and his uncle. If you asked him how
his day was or how his job was going, he would make up the most crazy story just to make you
laugh.
Michael was ecstatic when he proposed to the love of his life, April. He called everyone
to share in his excitement. They were to be married in June of 2018 and start a family together.
He and the rest of us talked nonstop about what a great wedding it was going to be and how
everyone would be included in the invitations. I still have the SAVE THE DATE on my fridge,
a date that now only brings us sadness. This was not to be. Michael and Todd were happiest when they were surrounded by their family. Family
was so important to both of them. Family meant everything..so you see on that fateful night in
August when their young lives were taken from us, it affected so many people—their parents,
grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, friends and fiancés. Not a day goes by that I don’t
think about them. Our family circle is split in half.
That fateful night, Michael and Todd were on their way to a family golf tournament that
they participated in for many years with all their uncles and friends. It was such a beautiful
night, the stars were out and the roads were clear. It was Todd’s dad’s birthday and they were
joking that they were going to bring home the trophy for him. Terry, Todd’s dad was already up
at the cottage waiting for their arrival, an arrival that never happened. Instead Terry received a
visit at the cottage from a police officer telling him his only son was killed. Pauline, Todd’s
mom was home alone that night having just seen Todd and Michael off, hugging both of them
and wishing them a great time. Instead she was awaken by a police officer to inform her that the
boys were killed. Michael’s dad, Mark was supposed to be riding up with them to the tournament
in Todd’s brand new truck. At the last minute he decided he would go the next day. That night
he had to answer the door to police officers as they told him and his wife Debbie, words no
parent should hear….your son is never coming home again. Because of the way they died, their
parents couldn’t even say good-bye. There was no closure, there still isn’t. My beautiful sister
and brother in law lost their only child, never to have grandchildren, never to see those funny
faces again. My brother and sister in law lost their youngest son, never to see him happily
married, never to have grandchildren, and never to see that infectious smile again. All we have
is memories of two amazing, kind, wonderful young men whose lives were snuffed out in a split
second.
In a split second all of our lives were destroyed forever.
Mike & Todd’s Aunt and Uncle, Janine& Les Glazier:
Since Mike and Todd have been gone it’s been hard on us. We miss their smiling faces,
they were the life of the party, always making jokes and funny faces. We liked to go bowling
with them and now we can’t, we don’t bowl anymore cause it’s too hard now with them gone. We
miss Todd a lot because when we would come over to their house for supper he would make us
laugh so hard at his joking around that it just made our day. Mike will never be able to golf with
his Uncle Les ever again and he really liked to try and beat his Uncle Les. There is an emptiness
in our family now and they will always be in our hearts. Every time we think of them we cry and
writing this letter was the hardest thing we have ever done. We love them both and miss them
dearly. Love Always, Uncle Les and Aunt Janine.
Mike & Todd’s Uncle, Phil Glazier:
Dear Judge, what the boys meant to me.
On August 3 2017 our family was broken, on that night the boys were taken from us.
Whenever there was a family reunion or any family function the boys were always there, they
never missed. They were so special to me, if I was having a bad day or was upset about
something they would do whatever it took to make me smile, they were always smiling. I
enjoyed my camping trips with the boys always making me laugh. When my son was born they
took him under their wing, taught him the right path in life. I hope when he grows up he takes
after them, they always had respect for everyone, I don’t know anyone that didn’t like them. They
were both very smart and loved their family very much they had their whole life’s ahead of them
but that was all taken away that day. I haven’t been the same since that day when they were taken
away from us a big part of me died with them, our family is just a shell now. They were both into
sports, hockey was their favorite, always teasing me about their favorite teams beating mine, we
always had good laughs about that. They always brighten up the day, I will miss them both for
the rest of my life, I will always have memories no one can take away, I will never be happy
again. So you see he took more than the boys that night he took the whole family. Thanks for
giving me this opportunity to say what I feel from my heart, I hope this helps you to know a bit
about the boys. Thank you your Honour.
Mike & Todd’s Cousin, Kristen Glazier:
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Kristen Glazier and I am writing this letter to explain how the deaths of Todd
Gardiner and Michael Glazier have impacted my life, as well as, my daughter’s life.
I am a first cousin to both Todd and Mike and they were like brothers to me. I was an
only child and those two were like brothers to me. Our family was very close so we spent a lot of
time together. As the years went on, we had our own lives, but we always managed to make a
plan to get together with our spouses and have a great weekend at my aunt and uncle’s cottage.
August 3rd is a day I will never forget. I got married on October 14, 2017 which is 2
months after the boy’s deaths. Todd was going to be my Master of Ceremonies. He would have
been the life of the party. Even though it was a happy day for me, I was dying inside. My cousins
were not there to help me celebrate. The boy’s parents came for dinner, but did not stay. They
couldn’t and I understood. I lived with Todd and his parents when I was in my late teens so I
grew close with Todd and his parents. Mike was only a few years younger than me, so we grew
up together. We did a lot of things growing up and made a lot of memories. It hurt not having
them there. There were a lot of sad tears that day, when there should have been happy tears.
I would say the hardest thing I have had to deal with since the boy’s death is my daughter,
Erica. She is 19 now, but at the time she was 15 years old. Todd and her were very close. She
called him her best friend. He would come and pick her up and take her for ice cream or take her
back to my aunt and uncle’s for dinner. He would take her bowling and just be someone she
looked up to. When he died, she took it very hard. She got very depressed, started acting out and
being disrespectful. She became very angry at the world. She has had to go to counseling
because she does not know how to cope with everything. She was such a happy kid with no cares
in the world! Since the loss of her “best friend” she feels she will never be the same. She has
learned to hang on to her memories and has found ways to cope, but no 15 – 19 year old should
ever have to endure what she has, nor should anyone else. That is the hardest thing a mother
should ever have to deal with because you don’t know how to help them and you can’t help them.My cousins were too young and they had their whole lives ahead of them. I have a lot of
great memories with them both that I will always hold onto and cherish.
RIP Todd Gardiner and Michael Glazier I will always love you and miss you with all my
heart!!
Thank you, Kristen Glazier
Mike & Todd’s Cousin, Lillian Glazier:
Victim Impact Statement- My Older Cousins
No words can accurately describe the instant heartbreak I felt when I received a call at
3:00 in the morning telling me that my cousins were killed. It’s been almost 4 years and I can
still say I’m waiting for them to make fun of me somehow, to say something, to tease me how
they use to. It’s hard to talk about them, hard to think about them without thinking of this crime.
It has taken precedence over everything in my family. As a large family we were as close as
could be, always getting together for someone’s birthday, family reunion, or just because.
The last time I got to see my cousins was on my 21st birthday, which was just under a
month before the accident. Todd made sure the first thing he did was give me a pink, light-up
happy birthday hat. I wear that hat every year on my birthday. Both Mike and Todd would tease
me over anything and everything as they were both older than me. I use to hate it, now I just
wish I could hear it one more time.
We have no celebrations anymore, no parties; there is a constant black cloud that follows
my family around since that day. We will never get to see their wedding days, never get to hold
their children, and never get to watch them grow into old guys. They will never get to see me get
married, give my soon-to-be husband a hard time for wanting to marry me, and will never get to
meet my children.
To this day I carry the last cards I ever received from them around with me every day. It
doesn’t feel real, after 4 years it still doesn’t feel real that they are not here. 2017 was a terrible
year for myself and my family, we lost the matriarch of the family at the beginning of the year,
and two weeks prior to losing my cousins I lost the baby I was pregnant with. I didn’t even get to
tell them about my baby. I grieved the loss of my child and my cousins in a short period of time.
I had to take time off work because I couldn’t handle the loss of all three, and while I dealt with
the loss of my unborn child, to this day I still cannot deal with the loss of Todd and Mike.
There will always be a spot in my heart for the two men whom I looked up to, and whom
I admired. Todd taught me to never take life too seriously, Mike taught me to always be gentle
and smile. I will forever miss their giant smiles and the way those smiles were infectious. I could
tell you all of this and more but simply I’ll say this; to know these men was to love them and to
love them was a privilege. So to ask what impact this crime has made on my life, the simple answer is;
immeasurable. The defendant took their lives so carelessly; in an accident that could have easily
been avoided. There is no sentence long enough that will feel like justice, that will heal the
gaping wound in our family. That day we were all sentenced to a life without the brightest stars
in the sky.
Mike & Todd’s Cousin, Adam Glazier:
To whom it may concern,
On Aug. 3 2017 at 10 PM my family suffered a traumatic loss. Since that day we have all
been just shells of our former selves forever incomplete and heartbroken. Todd and Mike were
not only the glue of this family they were also outstanding guys. As the youngest male cousin
in the family, to me they were more than my cousins but like brothers always teaching me
everything I needed to know. Always helped me when I was doing something wrong and more
importantly never giving up on me and always having my back.
Them being gone has impacted my life so much. If I’m half the man they were it would
be something. Since their passing it’s been tough for me, not only did I lose them, I lost the
connection that I had with my family. My family was my life so you can see how lost I truly am.
They where such good people, I can remember them always coming over to visit our Nana
before she passed and when she did they were there for me. I remember the night of our Nana’s
visitation, they bought me dinner and made sure I ate but that’s not a surprise that’s just who they
were. They were caring guys and I try every day to be like them, they will always have a special
place in my heart and I will never forget all the wonderful stuff they did for me and my family. I
hope you know how much this hurt our family and me, I will never be the same person I was.
Todd’s Aunt, Shirley Kapuscinski:
You have destroyed several families and we need to let you know to what extreme. I am
Todd Gardiner’s aunt. His Dad is my brother.
Terry and Pauline (Todd’s parents) tried for years to have a child. After many
miscarriages, Pauline was finally able to have Todd. He was the bright light in their lives.
It was a miracle. They were so close. He was their only child. Terry and Todd did everything
together. And Todd always had his Mother smiling. He was so much fun to be around.
As he grew, there were no problems with drugs or alcohol. He did well in school. Todd
loved sports (especially hockey). He loved the outdoors. The cottage was his favourite place to
be. Fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming were some activities. The family enjoyed all their times
at the cottage. Todd would take his dog and hide when it was time to go home.
Since Todd was killed, his Mother has been unable to go to the cottage. It is too painful. It also is
painful to be living beside the 401 on which Todd was killed.
The Church was overflowing with friends and family at their funeral. Todd and Mike had
so many friends.
The stress of Todd’s death and how it happened has been too much for Todd’s Dad. He
has been diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disorder which has severely damaged his
kidneys. He had never been ill ever in his life. Now after many blood transfusions, it’s a waiting
game – to see if he will have to have dialysis and kidney transplant. He was in intensive care in
Toronto for many days. This is all from the stress he and Todd’s Mom have endured. I am a
registered nurse of over 50 years and I know if you had not caused Todd’s death that my brother
would still have his good health. It definitely is due to stress.
Todd was planning to become engaged to his girlfriend Nicole at Christmas that year.
Pauline and Terry would have been overjoyed. They had so looked forward to having
grandchildren. They aren’t able to come to family gatherings (especially at Christmas). They just
find it too painful to see Todd’s cousins with their little ones.So many of us have been deeply affected by Todd and Mike’s horrific deaths. They say
that time heals, but I don’t feel there is any truth to that. There will always be a huge empty space
in our family because you so uncaringly took his and his cousin’s lives. Life will never be the
same! Todd was so loved and respected by everyone who knew him. You robbed him of the
wonderful life he would have had. He would have enriched all of our lives. We would give
anything to have him back – that terrible night (Aug.3,2017 – on his Dad’s birthday) that he was
killed, erased.
Thank you, Your Honour, for this opportunity to speak up and say how I feel.
Shirley Gardiner Kapuscinski
Todd’s Aunt, Joan Puterbough:
Thank you, Your Honour for allowing me to say what I feel. Mr Singh’s
senseless action has deeply affected everyone who has known Todd and Mike. Their
deaths will haunt us for the rest of our lives.
I am Todd’s aunt and one of his Godmothers. Todd was born on my birthday
and I was very happy that Terry and Pauline were given a child after having several
failed pregnancies. Todd was a wonderful son and was always close with his
parents, never causing them any problems. He and Mike were at a point in their
lives when they were ready to settle down – ready to get married and have children
of their own. Their lives were torn away from them and from us.
I want to remember Todd and Mike as the kind and loving people they were,
but thoughts of what they went through that night keep invading my thoughts. I am
very upset and angry. This did not need to happen. This should not have happened.
I cannot forgive Mr Singh for what he has done to our family.
Joan Puterbough
Todd’s Aunt, Sherry Rowe:
My name is Sherry Rowe. I am Todd’s aunt on his father’s side. This is my Victim
Impact Statement.
August 3rd 2017 changed our families lives forever. On that day we lost not only our
nephew, but our brother and our sister in law. Family get togethers were always something to
look forward to. Lots of smiles and laughter and a time when we got to be with those we love.
That day everything changed. We lost one of our own, a young man that could make you smile,
with that boy like grin and a wonderful sense of humour. He was so much fun to be with and
everyone that met him fell in love with him. Todd was a miracle baby. His parents had tried for
several years to have a child and Todd, with his energy and strength, had made that wish come
true. That fateful day he was tragically taken from us. Losing a child is most unimaginable for
any parent, but losing your only child in such a horrific way was unbearable. My brother and his
wife, Terry and Pauline, have lost everything that meant anything to them. Todd was everything.
Family get togethers are not what they used to be. Todd’s parents are unable to join us because
of the reminder of what they have lost. They see the rest of us with our children, and in some
cases grandchildren, but they will never get to experience that. They lost the chance to ever see
their child get married and to be able to present them with a grandchild. Their future as they had
come to expect it, would no longer present itself. Family get togethers, since this tragic day, are
missing something very important to all of us, my brother and his family. I miss them more than
I ever thought imaginable. Their love of life as it existed was torn from them on that tragic day. I
know that family times as they were, will never be the same.
As a result of the grief my brother has been faced with, his health has suffered. He has
been diagnosed with an incurable auto immune disease which has caused damage to his kidneys.
If it wasn’t for this tragedy my brother may still be living a healthy life.
Time and time again, I hear of lives lost due to accidents involving a tractor trailer and
the memory of that day comes back to haunt me. Tears are shed as I think of the families
involved and how they will now be affected in a way that my family has been affected. These
trucks are killing machines and there needs to be more intensive training for those that are behind
the wheel of these dangerous vehicles. I find myself searching for other routes to get where I
need to go, in order that I am not being followed by a tractor trailer on one of these killer
highways. I worry for my children, and the dangers they face, on their commute to work or perhaps on their visit to see me. If not for having a job in the GTA and having to go to work
every day I would not be living in the vicinity of the busy 401 corridor.
They say time heals, but it does not. Nothing can bring back what was lost on that tragic day in
August 2017.
Thank you, Your Honour, for allowing me to express my thoughts.
Sherry Rowe
Todd’s Friends, Dan Hossack & Many Others:
To explain how much Todd and Mike meant to us in the most genuine way possible we
wanted to include the speech we all made at their funeral.
· Charismatic, spontaneous, goofy, encyclopedia. Just a small fraction of the words that
best describe Todd.
· Todd had a very unique skill, he could remember every single date and year that
something happened. Always telling stories of things we did years ago and reminiscing
about all the fun we had.
· Todd never liked to show his emotions much. The only one you’d see all the time was
happiness. Constantly smiling, making others laugh and smile.
· He believed that growing up was a trap and tried to be a kid forever, that was seen in all
the funny, crazy things he did to make us laugh. Like taking bathroom “selfies” wearing
a sombrero and a fake mustache, holding his pet goose “Legs”(it’s a stuffed animal)
· Family is always important to Todd and Mike. Family came first for everything, whether
it was birthdays, someone’s hockey game, the bowling league or golf outings. Family
was always number one.
· I didn’t know Mike as well as I would have liked to, but every time I saw him he had an
infectious smile that always lit up a room. The things he loved the most in life, to list a
few, were: Golf, the New York Rangers, bowling and of course his wife, April. One of the
fondest memories of Mike was that wicked curve ball he had at bowling, that no one
could replicate. Once he got that dialed in, it was game over.
· A few of Todd’s friends were invited to the family summer golf league where Mike was
always the one to watch out for. When it came to golf, Mike was our very own Tiger
Woods in his prime. Always willing to help out and give pointers to rookie golfers like
myself, who used a junior set of clubs.
· Todd would always invite his friends up to the cottage also, whether it was to help with
staining the deck or dock, build a new dock that Todd claimed a wild pack of deranged
beavers destroyed, or to just unwind and forget about the real world for awhile.
· To him, it didn’t matter if it was hot, cold, raining or snowing. If we could go, then we
would go. He started an annual winter Taboozin’ weekend with all of his friends. A weekend where all the guys would go up, have a few drinks and go head first down the
hill flying into the trees off the road because there was no way to make it around the first
corner.
· He once drove Nicole up to the cottage and back, just to see if there was enough snow for
a taboozin weekend, thanks Nicole for that one!
· Summer time was all about setting up ridiculous croquette courses, swimming to Buddy’s
island as he liked to call it, and frustrating his parents with a good old game of
frustration.
· Coaching hockey was something Todd started to develop a passion for. He started his
head coaching career with a novice ball hockey team. We didn’t win a single game. The
following seasons he got the chance to coach in the atom ball hockey division. Coached
the team to a second place title. His next season he coached the kids to a third place
title.
· Heart, soul, grit – the three intangibles he has playing hockey. The three things all of his
teammates could feed off of during a game. You need someone to dig in the corners? You
send out Todd. You need someone to stand in front of the net? You send out Todd. You
need a howitzer from the point? You don’t send out Todd because he’ll shoot it 10 feet
over the net!
· He captained the inaugural year of the Gerbsaks to a perfect 26-0 season and a birth to
the provincials with a quarterfinal finish.
· There is so much more to say about Mike and Todd, but we’d all be here forever.
· Todd always played until the final buzzer. Mike always swung for the hole in one. Well
my friends, it looks like the final buzzer has sounded and the ball has dropped straight
into the 18th hole…and you guys both won the game. We all love you!
Not a day goes by that I don’t think about Todd. I miss him more than any words could
ever describe. He was more than just a best friend, he was a brother. Through thick or thin
since the third grade, he was always there for me. Always there to help me up if I fell down,
to lift my spirits when they only wanted to stay low. He was a shoulder to cry on when you
were sad, and a shoulder to help carry the weight of some of life’s toughest days. I feel lost not having him around anymore. I miss his infectious laugh and that patented smirk of a
smile.
He’s the one thing I would wish for, if I were able to have anything I ever wanted. I
would wish for him to come back, with no hesitation.
Todd’s Family Friend, Joanna Bowman:
To Whom It May Concern;
My name is Joanna Bowman. I have known the Gardiner Family since January 1995. Our
children, Todd and Julaine met in Mrs Wood’s JK at Lockhart Public school. They became fast
friends. I have so many recollections of them as youngsters. The first one that comes to mind is
when they cut each other’s hair while at school. There is a permanent record of this action…
school photos happened that week.
Todd was perpetually on the go…. Action Man. He had a lively curiosity to all things
around him. In grade 1, I remember when Pauline was babysitting our three kids. Todd
challenged Julaine to “fly out of the tree house”, the end result, a broken leg. Our kids, Todd,
Julaine and Jeffrey were on the same soccer team for many years. The first years it was daisy
picking, until they all discovered you could score goals and get points.
We also shared so many birthday parties for my kids and Todd throughout the years. One
year Todd had a party. All the boys came but only 2 girls ,Julaine and another girl. Todd also
came to a birthday party we had for Julaine and Jeffrey in May of 1998 .We went fishing at a
local “stocked” pond. Todd caught several fish. He tried to teach Josh (age 2 1/2) on the finer
points of fishing.
I used to supply teach at Newcastle Public school and this memory makes me smile.
Todd would have been maybe grade 2 . He corrected me when I said my name was Mrs Bowman
to the class. He said “ NO” your name is Joanna. It took much effort to get him to understand I
had a work name . I also remember Todd telling me to lose Gerry and marry him because I made
good cookies.
I also used to volunteer at the school. On one occasion we were studying pioneers and the
lifestyle. I came in to teach the classes on how to make bread the way pioneers made it. Todd
was up to his ears in bread dough. He loved this class!! Another time the kids were doing a play.
Todd was playing “ Pa” from Little House on the Prairie. I had provided the props for the skit and one of the items was a loaf of bread. Todd proceeded to eat the bread during the skit. His
antics made the class and teacher break out in laughter.
When I was working Pauline was the sitter for the children for many years. Josh, our
youngest used to follow Todd all over the house. He idolized Todd. The mischief the 3 boys
could get into make me smile to this day.
When Todd and Jeff grew older they both were in Air cadets , local 151 Chadburn Squad.
They both went on several trips with the unit and learned a great deal…..like how to polish their
boots properly. As parents we shared driving the boys to their activities with Terry and Pauline. I
used to like to hear the conversations the boys would have on the drives into Oshawa.
As the children grew older, they started to take separate paths, but they still were
connected, especially when it came to the high school mandatory volunteer hours. Todd, Julaine
and Jeff did all of their hours and many more at the school where I was working. Again, this was
an opportunity to see what a wonderful young man Todd was growing into.
Another memory I have is when Todd was planning a special anniversary party for his
mum and dad ( Pauline and Terry). Gerry and I were invited to take part at the Bowmanville
restaurant with the friends and family. Todd kindly paid for the first beverage of all the guests in
order celebrate the milestone anniversary. By the way, it was a great Party!!!
Todd and his family still were connected to us as the children grew into adults. Todd
came to the visitation of my children’s grandfather ( Ray Bowman) when he passed away 8 years
ago, in order to support our kids at this horrible time.
Throughout the years Pauline and I would get together for coffee or lunches and catch up
on our children’s activities. I knew that he had gone on to college and was taking a trade, that he
was involved in hockey (his lifetime passion from childhood) and helping young people enjoy
the sport. I was delighted to hear that he had found his soul mate, Nicole, and was eagerly
listening to his mum that “they had made plans for a life together”.When Todd died so tragically, August 2017, it gutted our family. We were angry that a
person so young and full of life and promise was pulled from our world. As I write this, I am still
angry about the senseless death of a young man and the void he is leaving in our community and
his family. In the past, prior to Covid I did come to several of the court proceedings and it
frustrates me that to date there has been no resolution to his death and his cousins death. Both
these young men had so much promise .
Respectfully yours
Joanna Bowman
Todd’s Friend, Julaine Bowman:
Hello my name is Julaine Bowman.
I am writing this on behalf of my childhood best friend Todd Gardiner.
I have known Todd since we were 4 years old. He was the very first person I befriended
in kindergarten at Lockhart, when we moved into Newcastle. Todd and I did many silly things
together as children. The first was we cut each other’s hair while at school. Oddly enough that
simple action helped create a friendship with our moms as well.
I can recall when I was 6 years old and sent to sick kids, my grade 1 class all made get
well cards. I still have them all and the funny thing is I had a card from Todd every day.
I remember how protective Todd was of myself and my brother’s. My baby brother
Joshua especially, Todd was not just friend to my brothers but protector and brother. Josh would
follow Todd around like he was Todd’s shadow, but you know Todd, rather than get frustrated
like I did he would embrace it.
I think many can remember the cootie phase kids go through. A friend Todd and I had
said “ you can’t talk to Julaine she’s a girl!” Todd’s response still remains in my head “ Wait
you’re a girl?” now you have to picture the expression of shock and just being 8 years old.
Todd was always in attendance at my birthdays, my brother’s and he always invited us to
his birthday. I remember at 1 of my birthday parties Todd begged me not to listen to two of my
cousins that it wasn’t safe. It involved a sprinkler under the trampoline and jumping with
hoolahoops. I didn’t make 1 jump before going flying off the other side. Todd being himself did a
brief “I told you so”, gave me a hug, and went to get my mom and dad. After he stayed with me
even though all the other kids were having fun Todd remained on the grass with me trying to
cheer me up from my own mistake.
As we got older the silliness didn’t really stop. Todd was my partner in crime as children,
or sometimes my conscience. I have so many memories. On his jungle gym I was dared to jump
while in a dress and these Disney princess shoes. Todd was there to keep me company while his
mom called my mom. Anytime I ended up on crutches Todd was the buddy to sit with me at recess, make me
laugh. A few times he would jokingly even say “ oh Julaine why can’t you do this in the winter
then we’d be warm at recess, it’s just so nice out right now. But I’m not leaving my buddy alone
to be bored.”
Todd was always and I do mean always ready to make people laugh. He would go out of
his way to make friends when we were little.
In grade 4 we were in a group for school play. Our group did little house on the prairie.
He played pa, my mom and I forgetting he had a weakness for her baking put her homemade
bread on the table. Just before Todd was to say his lines he took a bite and our other partners
glared at him while he talked with his mouth full. It gained us a very good grade and I’ll be
honest looking back on it that simple act really added to the hilarity of who he was.
Todd’s Future In-Laws, Joyce & Jerry McGee
I am writing this letter on behalf of my husband and myself so that you can better
understand the world changing events that happened on August 3rd,2017. Todd was our
daughter’s “boyfriend”, they shared an apartment and a future. Todd and Nicole were “yin &
yang” and complimented each other perfectly. Young and in love, planning a future, spending
time with his family at events as well as ours. Todd shared many interests with my husband as
well as his father: hunting, fishing, bowling and golf. It would have been amazing to see what the
future would have held if not for the senseless and untimely death of Todd and Mike. We have
fond memories and a few photos of the good times we spent with Todd, NEVER realising that
Todd’s life would end so young or tragically. Our daughter went from vibrant and blooming to
hollow and recluse, but.. very much a part of Pauline and Terry’s life. Nicole has stepped in as a
daughter in law, because we all believed that Nicole and Todd would have been married by now,
probably starting a family, definitely having a home. Todd would have taken good care of our
daughter because he took great care of his parents, family, friends, always willing to help, always
having a smile. Oddly enough Todd was a little old fashion, a “gentleman”, caring about what
people thought and felt.
The worst part of the last THREE YEARS and MORE is that we have not been able to
make new wonderful memories with Todd. Knowing only to hang on tightly to each other for
support, love and always remember to keep HOPING that justice will be served. Two young men
died over three years ago. Killed, some might say murdered, senselessly, horribly, BUT we will
never say by “accident” because we believe that this could have been avoided if the transport
driver had been paying attention to the road and traffic. Todd was a shining beacon to his
parents, ourselves and especially to Nicole. Todd was our daughter’s partner, a good son, a coach
to young boys and girls, a friend to many and a generous person to all. Todd could/should have
been our son-in-law. We have missed him and the happiness he brought to our daughter. Always
loved, never forgotten. Rest in peace.
March 29, 2021
To whom it may concern,
I had the pleasure of having Todd as my best friend for almost 20 years prior to him being
senselessly taken from the world. Not a day goes by that I’m not reminded of his absence and my
inability to introduce him to my wife and kids he so badly wanted to meet. The unnerving
inability to take them to visit someone who brought so much joy to my life, and inevitably would
have brought so much joy to theirs as well is always present.
Todd was always there to help those around him and could always bring a smile upon their faces.
Not only has everyone around him been robbed of his presence, he has been robbed of the chance
to live out his hopes and dreams. When his life was stolen from us, the hopes and dreams of our
families and kids playing together as a whole was also stolen. The chance for him to raise
children and grow up around my children was stolen. So many opportunities and joys are now
gone from my life and everyone around Todd are now gone as well. His loss is one that leaves a
hole in so many hearts.
What could have been lifelong memories of joy and happiness involving Todd are now just
stories I can tell my kids about when he was still with us prior to this senseless and preventable
tragedy.
His loss was a major push for me getting therapy and the memory of getting that devastating
news still flashes in my mind whenever I’m reminded of him. I sincerely hope that Todd and
Mike’s death is not in vein, for it has left so many of us with nothing but “what if’s” for a life that
will sadly never be.
I miss and love my best friend so very much.
Sincerely yours,
Matthew Bruce
Link to previous story below
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
