Archie Gardner was born on February 12, 1918. His father, Frank Gardner, died the same year in November. His mother, Florence (Plews) Gardner, remarried to Tom Gardner on October 19, 1919. Tom had a homestead in Cessford (east of Calgary). Archie had 2 younger siblings: Alice (who also served in WW II), and William (Bill). When there was a severe drought in Southern Albert in the 1930’s the family moved north, on July 4, 1934, arriving in Falher. Tom’s new homestead was in the Smoky River area. Archie and his father moved all their animals and belongings to the edge of the river and built a temporary log house and barn for the winter. In the spring, they forded the river and set up at their new homestead, near Whitemud, again building temporary shelter. Florence, Alice and Bill joined them in the summer, and a new permanent log house was built before winter. Tom died in 1940. Archie joined the Army, serving overseas. On November 26, 1947 he married Claire Rey of Falher. They lived for a while 1 ½ miles south of his mother’s homestead, until Bill bought the land. Archie and Claire moved to BC, and had two children: Gilbert and Vivian.
Source: Guy pp. 631-632 Gardner Family History