Remembering Dentistry Leaders Dr. Karen Gardner Dr. Karen Gardner of Kelowna, British Columbia, passed away on March 6, 2025, at age 69. Born in Princeton, BC, Dr. Gardner contributed to dental education, both in Canada and internationally, and left an enduring mark on the profession. She graduated from the UBC faculty of dentistry in 1992 and her path to becoming a dentist began as a dental assistant—a journey transformed by the encouragement of her mentor, Dr. Doug Black. Returning to UBC in 2002, she became a full-time clinical assistant professor, driven by her passion for teaching following a decade of clinical practice. In 2015, she became a clinical professor at UBC and in 2024, she received the title of clinical professor emerita. “Dr. Gardner was a true mentor and close friend,” says Dr. Lauren Milchman, director of the Summer Student Practitioner Program at UBC Dentistry. “She cared about people and was passionate about implanting positive change. Karen lived life to the fullest with strength, resilience and wisdom. She was very perceptive and helped thousands of students, patients and faculty members improve their lives,” says Dr. Milchman. In 2005, Dr. Gardner was the recipient of UBC’s Teaching Excellence Award. She also received the Universitas 21 Inaugural Award for Internationalization in 2012, presented in Sweden, in honour of her work developing the International Peer Review Project. This initiative connected dental students from institutions in Canada, the UK, the US, Australia and Hong Kong, fostering global collaboration, critical thinking and peer learning. Dr. Leandra Best, also clinical professor emerita at UBC Dentistry, and a close colleague and friend of Dr. Gardner’s for the past 26 years, recalls, “I always admired Karen’s dedication and determination to promote excellence in students’ dental education experiences,” she says. “She developed and nurtured an impressive mindful, calm approach to create a healthy work‑life balance, and to cope with the stresses, challenges and uncertainties of life. She passionately shared her thoughtful approach by facilitating mindfulness sessions with others at UBC Dentistry,” says Dr. Best. In her retirement, Dr. Gardner continued to fulfill her passion for lifelong learning. She attended lectures through her seniors learning in retirement group, learned American Sign Language, enjoyed her book club, mastered crossword puzzles, practiced Qigong, and discovered her artistic talents when she started painting classes. She coordinated local tours for the Kelowna Newcomers Club soon after moving back to the city. Dr. Gardner’s love for travel took her to Hong Kong, Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout Europe, for both professional and personal adventures. She will be remembered for her kindness, expertise and determination. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she mentored, the colleagues she inspired and the family she cherished. Dr. Gardner is survived by her husband, John Gardner; her sister, Linda Povarchook (Les) and her nieces and grandnephew. 38 | 2025 | Issue 3 Obituaries
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