GAIL L. JONES

With love, and gratitude, the family of Gail Jones announces her peaceful passing early on the morning of Monday, June 9th, just days after celebrating her 85th birthday. Surrounded by those she cherished, Gail’s final moments were filled with the care of her family and the professionals at St. Boniface Hospital.

Born in June 1940, Gail was the eldest daughter of Pearl and Jack Crayston. She grew up on St. Vital Road, where she forged a lifelong connection to her community where she lived all her life except a brief time in Calgary. A spirited student at Norberry School and Glenlawn Collegiate, Gail served as a proud cheerleader, track athlete and artist. She took early joy in figure skating, a passion encouraged by her beloved father.

Tragically, her world shifted with her father’s passing in 1956. With resilience beyond her years, Gail left high school to help support her family, ensuring that both their home in St. Vital and their cherished cottage at Falcon Lake—a place her father and uncle George had carved from wilderness just two years earlier—stayed in the family. That act of selflessness marked the beginning of a 72-year love affair with lake life and legacy she shared with her family.

In 1961, she married Barry Jones at St. Vital United Church, beginning a lifelong partnership grounded in love, laughter, and shared adventure. Together they raised their sons Kevin and Todd, and through ski seasons and long summer days, Gail found joy in family and community. She shared laughs with her friends in Beta Sigma Phi. An avid alpine skier, Gail, alongside Barry and her boys, became deeply involved in the Manitoba ski racing community. That passion led them all the way to the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, where Gail served proudly as a gate judge, just one of many friendships and milestones carved into snowy hills. As grandchildren arrived, she always made time to take them to the lake, outings, or drive them to sports.

Gail held interesting jobs. She brought her tireless work ethic and warm spirit to Century Motors, Calgary Golf and Country Club, Canadian Oil, and Polaroid Cameras. Later in life, she fulfilled a long-held dream of more education, studying English and Psychology at the University of Winnipeg, where she also made new friends of all ages.

Gail is lovingly remembered by her husband Barry; sister Merrilee (Bryan); sons, Kevin (Dolores) and Todd; grandchildren, Ryan (Amber) and Rebecca (Ritchie); and great-grandson Arlo. Also mourning her loss are her nephews, Steed (Lori) and Trent, along with a wide circle of extended family and friends whose lives she touched with grace, humour, and unwavering generosity.

A service to honour her remarkable life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16th at the Unitarian Church, 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gail’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

She lives on in sun-dappled lake water, crisp mountain air, the laughter of grandchildren, and every gift of quiet courage. Rest with luv, Gail.

Gail’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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