Gail and I formed a real fast friendship after meeting almost 15 years ago. We bonded immediately over a love of music and a love of radio, and we'd talk about new discoveries and old favourites (she was fond of Texas cowboy-types) and she would share stories of all the different gigs that she had seen throughout her exciting life. I always loved that she referred to the performers by their first names like they were old friends, in some cases they had met at a show in the UK and they actually were, and we'd laugh a lot. She was always impeccably dressed, whether she was at a gig around town, at the station working on her show or in the sweltering heat at Bird's Hill - always colourful accessories and great hats that brought a big smile to my face. She was always so kind and genuine, eager to help new volunteers at the station or step up to MC a show and of course, always so willing to share her infectious love of music. After she got sick, understandably, we didn't get to see one another nearly enough but we shared a number of lengthy phone conversations. They always seemed to inevitably end with her saying "Oh sweetie, you've got to go, I've taken up far too much of your time." - something that was always the furthest from the truth, and makes me want to have just one more of those meandering calls. Rest in peace my beautiful friend, I feel so fortunate that our paths crossed, I know that I am certainly better for it.

Gail was so vibrant, joyful, and vivacious. She was young at heart and had a zest for life and a love of people she kept right up until the end. A close friend of my family, she was my brother's godmother (you can bet I was jealous!). She wasn't exactly a fixture of my childhood, more like a rainbow - something you see once in a while, and you can't help but be enamored. She would barrel in with the brightest smile and this boundless enthusiasm. She had a distinctive voice and her own gravity; she was an amazing conversationalist. We had lost touch for many years, but we'd reconnected in the past year or so and I cherished our conversations. Gail always made me feel seen and valued. I'm going to miss her deeply, but the light she shone in my life will never dim. I'm reflecting on the lessons I learned from her from childhood through to the present: live joyfully and authentically, live with gratitude and grace, and laugh often.

Gail was one of the sweetest persons I’ve known. I will miss going to concerts and fringe plays with her. I even got to co-host with her on her UMFM radio show once. She had the light in her—I don’t know what it is, exactly, but I know it when I see it. I’ll miss her terribly, but I’m grateful I got to know her.

I’ll never forget Gail. She was the most helpful, funny, positive, cheerful and fun person. We met at work but we’re real friends at the same time. I will never forget.the time we spent together at MMM.  Marika and I share everyone’s grief but know we will all remember Gail for the very special person she was. Rest in piece. Many people will miss you. God bless. 

I count myself among the many who loved Gail. Always cheerful, vibrant, warm, generous, a girl with a heart as big as the sky, with love for so many, and truly loved by so many. I called her “Sunshine” because she brought warmth, light, happy memories into my life.  She and I shared a love for the Blue Jays and country music. The Hank Williams Jr.’s  hit song “All For The Love Of Sunshine” must surely have been written for and about her. Now, when I am outside on a sunny day “Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy”.  I miss you, Sunshine.

Gail was one of those unforgettable persons you feel grateful to have been part of your life. Her enthusiasm in sharing her many interests and love of life touched us all. Thank you Gail for so many fun and loving memories. Bev Polci and Family 

Gail was unique. Her big beaming smile always lit up the room when she came in and her positivity was infectious.  We met in the late 90s when she moved to London. We worked together as DJs on Country Music Radio (CMR) and then on the pioneering internet radio station SpydaRadio. We became friends instantly. I moved out of London in 2002 but we saw each other a lot at gigs whenever I came back to London. She'd even let me stay with her wherever she was living at any one moment in time. We'd always record a radio show together in her Heath Robinson styled home studio as we did when she came to visit me in Suffolk in my own Heath Robinson styled home studio.  London was not the same when she left and went back to Canada. Certainly going to gigs in London was not the same; I missed our pre gig dinners.  The last time I saw her was a chance meeting in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada at the East Coast Music Awards in April 2011. Our mutual friend Andy Washington tapped me on the shoulder and told me there was someone who wanted to say hello. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that big beaming smile again. She and her friend Diane bought me dinner the next night at The Churchill Arms. How appropriate. We caught up, I had become a father by then. She took me to a supermarket and I got some presents for my little daughter.  Gail came to Lucy and my wedding in 2008 but sadly she never met our two daughters although she would always ask after them and ask to see photos of them. I know she was busy looking after her parents and not long after they both passed, she became ill herself. I was glad she had joined Facebook finally so we could keep in touch that way. Of the many many memories, probably the fondest one was when she stayed with us in Ipswich not that long after Lucy and I got married. We attended the first Maverick Festival near Woodbridge at the end of August 2008. We had an absolute hoot. She was in her element. Somehow at the end of the night we found ourselves giving Mark Olson and his partner Inguun and their gear a lift back to Ipswich where they were staying. I can't remember who sat on whose lap but we laughed all the way back to Ipswich and then some. It was a glorious day and we were so pleased to share the day with her. Maverick continues to this day and we will raise a glass in her honour on the Saturday which happens to be Canada Day.  She will be missed. We are so glad to have had her in our lives for the time we had.

Darling Gail. So there I was, literally fresh off the boat from England in 1970 and the stars were aligning for me the day I got a job at U of M and met you. You took me on a fun, full of laughter and you-can-do-anything journey and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. With love and thankfulness for having you in my life sweet woman. Elizabeth 

My utmost condolences to my other cousins Don, George, Patricia and their families. Gail was a always kind to me and I remember her fondly. Sad to hear of her passing. With love, Deb

Oh Gail, you will be so, so missed! You brought such love, laughter and spirit to my father's family when you became his partner-in-crime. We so enjoyed your stories, your adventures, the light you brought to every room you entered and your beautiful smile. Rest in peace Gail. Love always.❤

I couldn't help but love you since the moment we met when I saved you from a vicious bee on the train home from a gig! So many happy memories from London gigs. You were the best gig buddy, darling. Rest now. ❤

I miss our early Sunday morning chats before the day got rolling - we covered a gamut of topics, sometimes talking for hours. The last conversation was just over a week before she passed and we knew that we would not likely speak again.  Bittersweet.  She texted me Saturday night; Sunday she was gone.  I miss her voice, her infectious laugh and that incredible smile. Our friendship gave me so much. You will always be in my heart Gail.  I am in search of the perfect yellow rose bush to add to my gardens in memory of Gail - yellow roses were her favourite. Thank you Trish for taking such good care of Gail these past several months. Condolences to all of Gail’s family.❤

Despite the sorrow I feel at her loss, it was a true pleasure reading others' tributes to Gail here. Clearly, I was not alone in finding her to be a very special person. It doesn't surprise me in the least that Gail made meaningful, lasting connections where ever she went.  We worked together at a law firm, and her joie de vivre and friendship brightened many otherwise long and tedious days and evenings.  And on top of that, man, was she cool.  Thinking of you with love, dear Gail!  

Gail and I became firm friends when we both worked for a big law firm in London in the late 1990s. She was always supportive, generous and cheerful. We had many adventures in London, always celebrating our birthdays together. We kept in touch weekly after she went back to Canada. She was one of the very best people, and while I miss her terribly, I’m so grateful to have had her bright spirit in my life.  Goodbye my dear friend, you were wonderful. 

I’ll always remember fondly our times at gigs in London. Seemingly we’d both be at The Borderline or The 12 Bar several times a week (sometimes at both on the same night). You loved music & those who made it or even like us, those who found ourselves through it. And we loved you.  Travel well my friend. 

Oh Gail! How we will miss your  exuberant laugh and the wonderful calm voice that shared your delight in music with so many people. You have fans around the world who owe you so much for what you have given to all of us. We will love you always!

What a beautiful tribute….thinking of Gail makes me smile!  She was a joy to be around, with her great stories and infectious laugh.   For a while Gail and I were coworkers and that relationship eventually moved outside the office.  She introduced me to house concerts and from her UofM radio show she renewed my interest in local music.  Love you Gail, you will be sadly missed.  You were one of my favorite people and I want to be just like you when I grow up.❤

So sorry to hear of Gail‘s passing. From our teenage years as Army brats in Winnipeg, to our high paced working lives in Toronto, Gail was a ray of sunshine and a treat to be with. She invited us to her University of Toronto graduation party, at the Arts & Letters Club. Gail also joined us to celebrate Christmas and our son’s birthday. Our hearts go out to family and all who are missing her. Gail’s graduation party with Peter Ronan, Jim Martin, Cheryl Martin, Gail and Diane Ronan

We met at 16 and stayed friends for 60 years - cutting each other's hair as teenagers, meeting up at a B and B halfway between our two cities so we could hang out in our 40s, attending the theatre in London when she lived there. In our last phone calls, when she was ill, Gail always wanted to know how each of my children and their children were doing. She was genuinely interested in other people, always. I hope she knew how very loved she was, and how we will miss her smile and her laughter and her caring. 

Gail was wonderful. I will remember and miss her forever. ❤

Gail's friendship was  priceless and, in turn, her loss  immeasurable. She brought genuine love, care, encouragement, joy and laughter to every conversation and gathering I ever had with her. Because of her friendship my life is richer. This world has truly lost the finest of gems. I miss her terribly, she will forever be in my heart. 

My sympathy goes out to Gail's family and friends.  I'm  sure you will miss her positive attitude and hearing about all the adventures she had throughout her life.  I know I will. Gail and I became friends in the last 3 or 4 years.  We had some great laughs, gave each other advice and shopped together.  Even though she was ill she always managed to answer her phone with a cheery uplifting voice.  As she became weaker and wasn't going to any more music gigs we started going for short drives with a goal of ending up at a different restaurant for lunch. As most people knew Gail loved to listen to music and to promote musicians.  I was really happy to be able to introduce her to "Those Guys", a group she hadn't followed. Rest in peace Gail, 'till we meet again...

It's been twelve days, and not one of them has gone by where I haven't thought about her. For over a year I spent every Sunday with her, helping organize her apartment, put things online for sale with her, and just talk and have lunch together. I'm going to miss our Sunday visits very much. I miss her. Thank you for everything, Auntie Gail. 

What a wonderful friend Gail was when we were young and lived behind each other. The adventures we had as teenagers are not to be told.  Our time together as roommates was a happy adventure every day. Gail was a sparkling personality and will be missed. Our sympathy to Don, George, Patricia and families. Lenore and Mitch Ohta

i was so very sorry to hear of Gails passing My condolences go out to my cousins Don and family George and family and  Patricia 

What a beautiful tribute. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to the families. Rob, Pat Spence family 

Gail.  Wonderful friend and fellow Army Brat.  We didn't always meet as often as we all would have liked, but every time was a treat.  We are so glad we kept in touch through the years.  We treasure our recordings of the Gail "Comfort" show out of London.  Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Ruddock and Stockburn families. Jim and Cheryl