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Gayle Gardham (nee Wolsey)

October 28, 1953 – October 25, 2012

It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Gayle (Wolsey) Gardham on October 25, 2012. Gayle was born in Calgary, October 28th,1953 with an innate sweetness that would touch everyone who met her.

One of Gayle’s great gifts was her ability to feel compassion and kindness for everyone she met, and she shared her heart genuinely with so many people. Her passion and excitement for life was infectious; there was truly no one more excited at a rock concert than Gayle, who was guaranteed to lose her voice after every single one. Although Gayle had a well known love for music and could sing along to any Bob Dylan or Rolling Stones song, she is most recognized and admired for her love of her sons, Mark and Dylan. Gayle raised these two wonderful boys, who exemplify their mom’s best qualities in their own quiet ways. No mom loved her children more. Gayle was also blessed with a new love later in life. Murray and Gayle were together for 17 years and built a wonderful life, filled with grandchildren, travel, fishing, and a winter home in Arizona.

Gayle was the third born of four siblings, and our family has been blessed because of the way these siblings loved and supported each other through all of life’s ups and downs. Together, learning from their mother’s example, they have taught our family values, strength and togetherness. Gayle was a pillar in our family and made each and every one of us feel important and heard. Her presence in our lives has made a deep impact forever. Gayle used her beautiful heart in her work in corrections, social service and for Government Make Work projects, and through volunteering for the Red Cross and Run for the Cure.

Gayle is survived by her loving husband, Murray who did not leave her side during her last few months; her sons Mark (Terra) and Dylan (Natalie); her step-daughters Shawna and Cheri (Rod); her sister Colene (Dave), her brothers Ray (Shelley) and Clay (Monica); and her loving grandchildren, nieces and nephews, family and friends.

Gayle requested there be no funeral service, however, a Celebration of Life will be held at a yet to be determined time. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Gayle’s honour to a Women’s Transition House of your choosing. The family would like to thank the staff of Vancouver General Hospital’s Leukemia ward for their compassionate care and support.

Gayle- in the words of your favourite artist, Bob Dylan-

“May God bless and keep you always, may your wishes all come true, may you always do for others, and let others do for you. May you build a ladder to the stars and climb on every rung,

May you stay forever young.”



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