Mrs. Gail Helen Anne Sawchuk (née Thompson) passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, in Nanaimo, British Columbia, at the age of 83.

Born on August 19, 1941, in Ottawa, Ontario, Gail attended Immaculata Girls Catholic School. She cherished time spent at her aunts' farm in Cobden, where she delighted in naming the animals despite their wishes. Winters in Ottawa brought another joy—ice skating along the Rideau Canal, a pastime she fondly remembered throughout her life.

Gail’s life took an exciting turn when she met William "Bill" Sawchuk on a blind date while he was attending a weather training course in Ottawa. Their paths crossed again in Edmonton, where Gail had relocated for work as a keypunch operator. Their connection deepened, and in 1963, they moved to Vancouver together. Shortly after their move, Bill was posted to the Arctic, and upon his return, they married in Vancouver on October 10, 1964.

Their life together was filled with transitions due to Bill’s career postings. They first moved to Terrace, BC, where their son Daniel Wayne was born on November 7, 1965. In 1966, they relocated to Dease Lake before welcoming their daughter Jamie Arden in 1968. Over the years, their journey took them through North Delta, Parksville, Abbotsford, Missezula Lake (life-long friends and the Winter/ Summer Wonderland for their grandchildren) and finally Nanaimo, where they settled in retirement.

Gail was an avid seamstress who lovingly sewed clothing for her children when they were young. She had a deep love for games—board games, Scrabble, and especially cribbage—which led to many cherished moments with friends in Nanaimo. She will also be remembered as the gourmet hot dog queen at BeeGee's Malt Shop in Parksville. Above all else, Gail adored her family—especially her four grandchildren: Rachel, Taine, Bryce, and Hannah—who brought immense happiness into her life.

Gail was predeceased by her parents Helen and Ward Thompson and siblings Lee Hood, Patrick "Ted" Thompson, Joan Thompson, and Ronald Thompson. She was survived by her husband Bill, son Dan (Kathleen), daughter Jamie (Darron) and her sister Claire Smith and her grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held privately by Gail's immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Diabetes Canada in her memory.

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