Gardhouse, Reford 'Larry'
Larry passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Meaford Hospital on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the age of 79.
Born in Weston, Ontario on September 1, 1946 to the late Reford and Helen (nee Williams) Gardhouse.
Larry will be forever loved and deeply missed by his wife, Beverley; his children, Corey Gardhouse (Tiffany), Sean Gardhouse (Amberley), and Sarah Gardhouse; and his stepson Scott Wood (Robin). He was a proud and loving “Papa” to Aiden, Ethan, Logan, Julia, Jeremy, Allison, Indigo and Teddy. Larry took a genuine interest in each one of his grandchildren; he took the time to understand their individual personalities and found great joy in watching them grow up.
He will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Carolyn McDonell (Doug), his brother, Douglas, and his nieces, Nancy McDonell-Lemaire (Marc) and Laurie Fuller (Jeff).
Larry spent his childhood at Aberfeldy Farms where the family raised prize-winning Shorthorn cattle. He studied chemistry at the University of Western Ontario and dreamed of being a doctor. But he eventually found a different way to help people through financial planning.
In 1984, Larry joined the life insurance industry and soon fell in love with his beautiful wife, Bev, while they were both working at North American Life in Barrie. Together, in 1986, they moved to Thornbury, were married, and founded GARDHOUSE + GARDHOUSE which is known today as Gardhouse Financial Counsel.
As a financial advisor, Larry always went above and beyond to help people. He earned the trust of countless clients and their families, many of whom became lifelong friends. He was a great listener and was well known for his kindness and unwavering honesty. Larry was never afraid to tell the truth and while he could be hilariously blunt, no one doubted his genuine concern for others.
Outside of work, many hobbies brought Larry joy, particularly sailing and skiing. He was an accomplished sailor and served as a past training officer with the Toronto Power & Sail Squadron. In 1986, he founded the Georgian Bay Sailing Regatta. He had a great appreciation for antique boats and spent many summers racing his wooden boat, Jill Dansk. In the winter months, he was an avid skier and spent time serving on the ski patrol. He was active in the community and volunteered for years with local Scouting groups and coaching baseball. Larry was predeceased by his two best buddies, Bob Gardiner and Albert Gobbo – together they were known as “The 3 G’s”.
Larry will always be remembered for his humour, generosity, and thoughtful counsel. His advice was valued by family, friends and clients alike. Just weeks before his passing, Larry and Bev celebrated 40 years of marriage on June 20, surrounded by beloved friends and family. His legacy will continue to guide those who knew and loved him, and his memory will live on through the many shared stories and laughter.
A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held on his 80th birthday, Tuesday, September 1, 2026 in the Galleries at the Meaford Hall from 1 until 4 p.m., tributes will be shared at 2 o’clock.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Parkinsons Society Southwestern Ontario: https://psso.ca/how-to-help/donate/, and may also be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Make a donation in memory of Reford 'Larry' Gardhouse
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Friday, July 10, 2026
Sean, our condolences go out to you and your family on the loss of your father.
Larry was always very helpful during the years that he was our advisor. He will be truly missed.
Les and Dianne Silverthorn
Friday, July 10, 2026
Sean I am so sorry for your loss sending you big hugs of comfort at this time
Friday, July 10, 2026
We remember his seemingly permanent smile most and of course the stories that went back and forth, laughter mixed in. We always knew he’d be late for his visits and would plan for travel update about 10 minutes before the scheduled arrival time. Hilarious. We will miss him.
Condolences to all the family and fellow associates.
Friday, July 10, 2026
Sending condolences to my friend and neighbor Sarah and her family. I feel very fortunate to have met your Dad. In spite of his health challenges, he still exhibited his love, caring and consideration for his loved ones. His independence and determination were very strong and I really believe that he experienced life on his terms. His sense of humour was always very apparent and I really enjoyed the time spent with you all. I will never forget the first time I met your parents and your Dad was going to escort me safely home even though I lived beside you. Bless him! RIP Larry….. you will be missed but never forgotten
Saturday, July 11, 2026
I am so deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Larry. Larry, Bob & Albert had such fun sking & sailing together. I know how much his lifelong friendship meant to Albert,and just how central he was to so many memories. May your many wonderful memories bring you comfort & peace in the days ahead.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Dear Bev and the entire Gardhouse family,
We were deeply saddened to hear about Larry’s passing. He was not just an incredible financial advisor to us, but a truly wonderful friend whose warmth and wisdom brightened our lives.
Larry was instrumental in guiding us through the investment process. He always provided us with the wise counsel we needed to achieve our long-term objectives and goals.
We always felt completely safe and secure in his hands because his integrity and dedication were unmatched.
Beyond his professional brilliance, we counted him as a dear friend whose kindness we will never forget.
Please know that our thoughts, prayers, and hearts are with you and your family during this incredibly difficult time.
Larry will be missed immensely.
With deepest sympathy,
Zen and Lois
Sunday, July 12, 2026
How interesting!! As a child growing up, I heard the name Reford Gardhouse many times. My father lived at Chesley and was also a shorthorn cattle breeder. His name was Duncan McTavish. He and his 3 brothers farmed together.He has been gone for many years but I am sure that they crossed paths several times. I am his daughter and I still live in Chesley.
Even though, I have never met the family,I send my sincere sympathy to all.
Elizabeth Maxwell
Sunday, July 12, 2026
My sincere condolences Bev and family. It was an honor to meet and get to know Larry at Parkinson’s class. He had an infectious smile and was a true gentleman. He will be missed by many. My thoughts are with you all.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Bev & Sean & Family
So sad to hear….Larry was a special person and will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Al and I met him years ago and what started as a business relationship turned into a long and valued! friendship. His passing will leave a void that cannot be filled. Caring thoughts and wishes to you through this time, he will always be remembered & missed.
Monday, July 13, 2026
Our deepest sympathy to Bev and all the families. Our thoughts, and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Larry will be missed!
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
My deepest condolences Sean and family on the loss of your dear dad. My thoughts are with you all.