Vardon is a combination French and Scottish surname that still prevails in both countries and has been carried into the new world. The family name Vardon is most famously held by the professional golfer, Harry Vardon (1870–1937), who invented what is commonly known as the Vardon Grip, and had the Vardon Trophy named after him.
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Vardons of Montreal
Vardon is a relatively well known name in Canada, especially in Montreal, where the family name had been for some time associated with an old Scottish clan that had resided in the city since the 18th century. The Baron Vardon family was the offspring of the Scottish industrialist and explorer Ismael Vardon, who set up in the city after being forced out of England for involvement with anti-monarchy groups and pro-Catholic organizations that were at the time regarded as militant terrorists. Ismael prospered in the new world, establishing himself in textiles and banking, while continuing to undermine the British at every opportunity. He was known to harbour and work closely with French Canadians, it is thought because of their shared Catholic sensibilities. He had 12 children and over 70 grandchildren at the time of his death in 1816. It is believed that Ismael Vardon is buried now in the town of Vardon in Israel.
Ismael's sons continued the business, some remaining faithful to his fundamentalist Catholic outlook, and others married Protestants of Montreal's uppercrust social circles. The family was divided by the time the American Civil War was underway. There were a number of male grandchildren that went to war there on a volunteer basis, and there were some that did not return. The fervent Catholic strain of the Vardon clan all but dissolved as the family moved into the 20th century, however, there were some members of the family that held on to Ismael's militant notions and beliefs and it is believed that certain descendents continue to hold these views until this day. Other Vardons were widely known for their involvement in organized crime. Joseph Vardon, a descendant of Ismael, had a lengthy criminal record that began in France, while he was serving with the Canadian military there in World War II . Though Joseph was not considered a radical in the religious sense, he was known for his ingenuity at eluding police. He was involved or indirectly involved in the planning and execution of some of the most daring heists in the Montreal area from 1949 to 1978. It is known that Joseph fathered three children in his marriage and at least another two out of wedlock. One of his son's served in the US Marines with distinction in the Vietnam War and fathered two known children. Joseph Vardon died in 1980 in Montreal.