Gail Elizabeth Banks

June 17, 1956 – August 1, 2010

The world lost a beautiful woman Sunday, August 1, 2010. It is with enormous grief that the Banks family announces the passing of Gail Banks – a positive, loving woman who touched the lives of many throughout her 54 years on earth.

Gail leaves behind her husband of 37 years, Larry, their two sons, Ryan (Crystal) and David (Camille), their dogs, Harley, Lexy and Layla, her mother-in-law, Carol (Digby), many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. She is predeceased by her best friend and sister, Debbie (Reggie), and their parents, Alex and Elizabeth (Bessie).

Gail loved nothing more than a quiet weekend at the cottage in Winnipeg Beach. She also had a passion for travelling, where she would easily make new friends. Gail’s positive outlook on life is a lesson for all of us – she never failed to make anyone smile or feel good even throughout the darkest of times.

Our sweet Gail was the best mother and wife anyone could ever wish for. We must somehow find the strength and take comfort in knowing she is now at peace – enjoying reuniting with her sister and parents.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 6 at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre in Gail’s honour.

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"A Mother and Best Friend"

Camille Dupas

August 6, 2010

I’ve never met anyone quite like Gail.

I’ve been with her son, David, for over six years and have become quite close with her. She was like my second mom – she listened when I needed to vent and was always encouraging.

Dave has so many of her special qualities – he’s empathetic, always looks for the good in people, and never hesitates to pick up a stray animal.

Dave and I have been a couple since I graduated from high school. I went right into university and college, and of course, Gail kept telling me I could do it and that she believed in me.

It’s pretty unbelievable that she encouraged me right until the very end. I had my final exam ever last Friday night, and when I got to her house afterwards, I went straight to her room and told her I was officially done. I could tell she wasn’t feeling well, but she still managed to smile – I knew she was proud of me. Gail didn’t have to say anything to make someone feel good – just being with her was good enough.

As many of you know, Gail was quite the funny lady. I would often catch her prancing around the living room in my new heels, or hiding the tags from the new clothes she and Judy would buy – but we always seemed to catch her red-handed.

What we didn’t figure out was how sick she was this time. She wanted to protect her family and not have us worrying about her. She remained selfless even during the darkest of times.

I know we’re going to miss watching movies with Gail. We’d all get together in the living room, start the movie, lose Larry within five minutes, and then have Gail chit-chatting for most of the movie! The kicker was Gail telling us how terrible the movie was – we’d tell her she didn’t even watch it! We never took for granted the time we got to spend with her though – she was such a joy to be with.

I’m going to miss gossiping with her about "America’s Next Top Model", I’m going to miss serving her tea, and I’m going to miss having her as my back-up for when Dave practices his old Tae Kwon Do skills on me.

Gail, you raised two wonderful boys who adore you more than anything, and made a certain someone the luckiest and happiest man for 37 years.

We, and everyone who has had the utmost privilege of knowing you, will never feel the same without you being in our lives. Please come visit us, and know that you will always be in our hearts until the day we meet again.

I love you, Gail.

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"Auntie Gail"

Katie Slessor

August 6, 2010

Hi, my name is Katie. Gail’s sister, Debbie, was my mom. Gail’s son, David, has asked me to speak today.

Gail was one of a kind – one of those people who could talk to anyone. She was the best. She was strong yet graceful, fearless, unique, wise and beautiful.

You would know when she was in a room because she would bring so much laughter and life. She was a shoulder to lean on for her family and friends. She took care of the ones she loved with all her heart, always saw the good in people, and let’s not forget her huge love for animals – especially her three dogs.

Losing someone is very hard, but make sure you remember the good times. Those memories you have – no one can take them away. Memories are beautiful things.

My favourite memories besides spicy perfume and Thrills gum was during a family trip to Gail’s cabin – her second home. She told us one night that if you whistle at the northern lights, they will dance for you, and reach closer to you. Our families ran down Prospect by the marina and down the creek, whistling as loud as we could as we chased the northern lights. We must have looked crazy, but we didn’t care. Those were the kinds of times you would have with Auntie Gail.

I’m really going to miss Gail, but I know I have good memories to hold onto – we all do. Remember her smile, laughter, and her love for life.

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"In Our Hearts Forever"

Krystle Diamond

August 6, 2010

How do you put someone like Gail into words? She was so many things. She was positive, energetic, courageous, and strong. She was unique. She was more than a mother, sister, aunt, wife and daughter. She was a friend.

Ever since I have known her she has cared for everyone like they were her own family. She would always ask about everything going on in my life, wanting to help or gossip, just like a girlfriend. She would offer a smile or a shoulder, whatever was needed. Her heart was so big. Even though she had only two children of her own, her nieces, nephews, friends and pets were all her children. Gail wanted nothing more than for everyone to be happy.

I have so many fond memories with my Auntie Gail. She always knew me so well, even when I was a little bratty child. I wasn’t an easy child to babysit, to say the least, but Gail never had a problem, she would smile and say “Too bad, you’re coming with me whether you like it or not.” Then she would proceed to bribe me with something special to eat, and I have always been a sucker for food. And for the longest time I was convinced I was blonde because in all my pictures, or most of them from when I was a young girl, I was blonde. I later found out that Gail would put Sun-In in my hair while I sat on the deck with her after she had applied it to her own hair. We would come inside and Gail would tell my mom, “Judy, look what the sun did to Krystle’s hair!” She was such a character.

Always the free spirit, Gail always had an open door policy. Whether it was their house, their pool, their cottage - she just wanted everyone to be happy. Gail and Larry loved having us over - the more the merrier. Even when I had friends with me, Gail didn’t mind. She enjoyed being around us and if she wasn’t there, she wanted us to have fun. Anything that was hers was ours. Gail just loved to entertain and to be entertained with the people she loved.

I can’t remember a time I had with my aunt where I wasn’t smiling or laughing. If there is only one thing to be learned from the amazing person Gail was and will continue to be in our hearts, it’s staying positive. No matter what, Gail wouldn’t let anything bring her down. In the worst of times and worst case situations, somehow Gail would find a silver lining, something that made the situation a little less negative. There was always a positive in every situation.

You know Auntie Gail, all of us wish nothing more than for you to be here with us today in great health and smiling and laughing like we will forever remember you to be, but, we are all happy you aren’t suffering anymore and you’re with people you love up in heaven. I’m trying to be positive for you, auntie.

We will all continue to love you, Gail, and I know you are our guardian angel looking out for us. If we ever need you we will just call out for you 'cause you will be there for us, listening, giving us your strength.

I can’t explain how much I love you. You will forever be in my heart and soul. I won't ever forget you and your smiling face or how beautiful you were inside and out. Until we meet again Auntie Gail… I love you.

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"Kato"

Mike Brickwood

August 6, 2010

As you came in through the front doors, you would have seen a display of pictures of Gail at various stages of her life. As you can see in those pictures, Gail was always full of life, laughter and love.

My family and I were fortunate enough to be a part of her life, as were a lot of people here.

One of my favourite pictures is the one that was used for Gail’s 50th birthday banner. Gail is wailing away on a drum set and she looks like she is having the time of her life playing those drums. You can almost hear the amazing solo she is playing.

Gail didn’t know a thing about playing the drums but that was Gail – it did not matter – she would do it anyway. That was how she approached her life. She did not let a little thing like not knowing stop her from doing something. If she wanted to do it, she did it, and she put her heart into it.

As you look at the slideshow of photos, you can see how Gail put her heart into everything she did, like being a mom to Ryan and David, and being Larry’s best friend and wife.

Gail liked to try new things, so when Ryan and David started taking Tae Kwon Do at Bae’s, she decided that Larry and her would also join and somehow talked me into it as well.

Gail – being Gail – decided that she should practice at home with Larry. The only thing was she did not tell Larry about this. She would hide behind doors or in closets, so when Larry passed by, she would jump out and throw some of her moves at him just like Kato in the Pink Panther movies that were popular at the time.

Larry started calling Gail “Kato” and it has been her nickname ever since. I think she loved that name.

Our friend, John, said it best – “She was something else!”

We will all miss her. I love you, Kato.