Gail Rusk Barton

Gail was born in Calgary, Alberta on September 14, 1941 at the Holy Cross Hospital to Harrison & Eleanor Manders. She went on to study nursing at the Holy Cross Hospital, graduating in 1962 and her nursing career spanned 47 years.

Gail married Douglas Rusk in 1964 and had 3 children Darren, Craig and Marnie. Later Gail went on to marry Thomas Glenn Barton in 1992 and was blessed to gain 5 step children Brent, Gay, Reid, Craig and Jayne. As Gail was an only child, she always wanted a big family so was proud to say she had 8 children whom she loved very much. Her current partner Don Chamberlin brought her so much joy in her later years in life.

She was always the social coordinator, one to host a party or help out if one was being put on. She enjoyed dinner parties with friends throughout her life and the party never really started until Gail arrived. She was vibrant, full of life, always had a sparkle in her eye and a beautiful smile was always on her face. Regardless of what life threw at her she always had a way of seeing the best and never letting it get her down.

Gail is predeceased by her parents, her ex-husband Doug and husband Glenn. She is survived by her children Darren (Kelly), Craig and Marnie, her step-children Brent (Jen), Gay, Reid, Craig (Taryn) and Jayne. Her step-grandchildren Michael (Erica), Steven (Alysha), Kooper, Meri, Lauren, Dylan and Tyce and her step-great grandchildren Evelyn and Thomas along with many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, all I ask is that everyone do one random act of kindness for someone in my mother’s honor. We hope that you will always remember her fun loving spirit, the joy that she always brought to you, the enthusiasm for life with which she exuded, and may the memories you have of her bring a smile to your face.

I will leave you with her favorite quote – ‘Two men looked out through prison bars; one saw mud, the other stars’. May those who read this always look for the stars in their life like my mother did. For me, I will now look to the stars and see my beautiful mother shining brightly.

A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date