Ruben GARDIOL
Ruben GARDIOL
Ruben Gardiol was last seen leaving his home on Clovelly Rd, Randwick at 6:30am on October 30, 2020. His vehicle was located on November 6, 2020, at Prince Charles Pde, Kurnell. There is CCTV footage showing Mr Gardiol driving his vehicle in the vicinity of this address. Family and police hold serious concerns for Mr Gardiol’s welfare.
Anyone with information which may assist in locating the whereabouts of Ruben Gardiol is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
It's been nearly two weeks since grandfather Ruben Gardiol, who helped create Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden on Sydney's lower north shore, was last seen leaving his home in Randwick.
His family are desperate to see him return home before the weekend for his 68th birthday and that of his son and grandson.
Mr Gardiol, who previously worked as a gardener at the Wendy Whiteley Secret Garden in Lavender Bay, was last seen on October 30 leaving his home at 7.40am for work.
"He's got a very funny character, he comes across very happy, delightful, full of life. We just find that it's really weird that he's missing ... it's just out of character," Mr Gardiol’s stepdaughter Fran Villegas said.
"We just want him to come home, we're really worried about him."
Mr Gardiol had helped create the secret garden, "one tree and shrub and object at a time" as one of two long-term gardeners, the garden's website notes.
It also describes him as "a kind-hearted, multi-skilled house painter from Uruguay, who became a natural gardener."
About a year ago, Mr Gardiol switched careers to paint homes.
Ms Villegas last saw her stepfather at a family gathering the week before his disappearance and said he seemed normal.
Detectives located Mr Gardiol's car, a black Holden Commodore utility, at Prince Charles Parade, Kurnell, on November 6.
Despite an extensive search he was not located.
Eastern Beaches Police Area Command Detective Superintendent Rohan Cramsie said it was possible Mr Gardiol's car had been there from about October 31, the day after he disappeared.
The dual Australian-Uruguay resident loves spending time at the beach, but why he would go to Kurnell is a mystery to police and his family.
Ms Villegas said Mr Gardiol had never spoken about Kurnell and it was "very strange" he would go there.
"Ruben if you're out there and you're hearing this please, please come home," she said.
Mr Gardiol is known to frequent the eastern suburbs, particularly around Randwick.
"This is a real mystery for us as investigators," Superintendent Cramsie said. "When someone just leaves the family home with the intention of going to work and doesn't return home - you can understand the angst the family and the grandchildren are going through. We're certainly asking anybody with the
smallest piece of information that may be able to assist of where Ruben Gardiol may be to please contact the police."
Mr Gardiol is described as being of South American appearance, about 170 centimetres tall, of slim build, with an olive complexion, grey hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and jeans.
Investigators are appealing to anyone who might have visited Kurnell between 6.30am on October 30 and 2.00pm November 6 and may have dash-cam footage of Mr Gardiol’s distinctive car travelling in the area to contact police.
Police and the family of a man who has been missing from Sydney's Eastern Beaches since late October are renewing their appeal for public assistance.
Ruben Gardiol, 67, was last seen leaving his home on Clovelly Road, Randwick, about 7.40am on Friday 30 October 2020.
Police were notified when Ruben failed to return home that night and officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command commenced an investigation in an attempt to locate him.
Following inquiries, officers located CCTV that shows Ruben exiting his vehicle, a black Holden utility, on Captain Cook Drive, Kurnell, approximately 8:50am on Friday, 6 November 2020.
He walked to the park across the road near Monument Track, before returning to his vehicle a short time later and leaving the scene.
He is believed to have travelled to Prince Charles Parade, Kurnell, as his vehicle was found at this location about 2pm on Friday, 6 November 2020.
Concerns are held for his welfare as his disappearance is considered out of character.
Ruben is described as being of South American appearance, about 170cm tall, of slim build, with an olive complexion, grey hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and jeans.
Investigators are appealing to anyone who might have visited Kurnell between 6.30am on Friday, 30 October and 2pm Friday, 6 November 2020 - or may have dashcam footage of Mr Gardiol's distinctive ute, which was parked on Prince Charles Parade - to contact police.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.