Condolence: When I arrived at the church yesterday I was unable to park. Your Mom was a great neighbour during our Westridge days. The number of people that came to honour your Mom will help you through the bumpy spots ahead. Take comfort that she was a great Mom and had a good family and may your happy memories ease the days ahead. Vi Wall

Condolence: I wish I knew the right thing to say. I want to tell my cousins Bob, John, and Haley that I am sorry for their loss. And I want to tell their many children that I am sorry for theirs, as well. I should not imagine that my grief is anything like theirs. But my Aunt Gail did play an important role in my life--more than anyone realizes, more than perhaps she realized, and more than I realized. Of my father's siblings, I knew Aunt Gail best, and after my mother passed away, I was always excited to hear my father say, "We're goin' to Auntie Gail's!" It was always a pleasant adventure. I always felt safe and accepted at Auntie Gail's. She always had some pop for us to drink. Dinners were always informal, but overflowing with food, and Aunt Gail was always encouraging me to "help myself", and not to feel the need to be polite. I remember chess games with John, and trying to learn to drive standard one night at Auntie Gail's. I remember Lucky the dog, who'd follow the car to town. I remember lunches at the Wonton restaurant in the nearby village. Auntie Gail taught me how to love what we have, and make the most of it. I remember Auntie Gail's humour. Watching TV with her. Listening to her funny stories of her childhood. Her laugh--she had a special laugh. After I moved to Toronto, I called her from time to time. She was always happy to hear from me. I do wish I had called more often. And I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the service. Work made it impossible. But let me offer my sincerest support to all my family members, and to Aunt Gail's friends, for their loss. If anyone wants to talk to me, no matter how long it's been, or what water has flowed under the bridge, as they say, I'm ready to listen. Love, George Jr.

Condolence: Growing up on Sakinaw lake with Bob and John as good friends meant having Gail as a surrogate mother, at least when I was on their side of the lake! She was a fantastic "mom", always there for us, in fact she was one of the favorite "moms" for all us kids on the lake. Imagine my surprise when I found out, years later, that we were nearly next door neibours when we moved to north van! She always had a wave for me, when I walked the dog past her house, and coffee was always on! Bob, John, Hailey, I'm so very sorry for your loss, your mom was one of the best. My heartfelt condolences, Ross