How many tears can I cry? If tears could make you lose weight, my body would have disappeared in the last year. Yes, my dear, I know you laughed when you read that. I love you. I am so glad we told each other so many hundreds of times how we felt about each other. How can I go on knowing that you are not in the world anymore? I long to laugh ,cry and deal the cards with you again. My heart actually hurts because it is still broken.

Gayle was not only my sister, she was my best friend.  It was so good to have her move back home after living in the u.s. for over 20 years. I missed her terribly even though we kept in phone contact & she would come home & visit or we would go visit her. David & Gayle lived with me & my ex for awhile after they moved back and Gayle & I became extremely close and stayed that way. We never had a point in our relationship where we were at odds with each other.  She would never criticize me and was always supportive, no matter what.  I knew that I could count on her for anything and she knew that she could count on me for anything as well.  Whenever anything happened, good or bad, she was the first one I thought of calling. As kids, our parents would take us to West Hawk Lake every summer.  They were wonderful, carefree times. We would rent a cabin & hang out on the beach every day and play cards at night.   We were a family of card players and had many games of rumoli, 99, and 31 at the lake, and also when visiting relatives.  We also spent a lot of time in Carman at our grandparents & often aunts, uncles, and cousins would come from other parts of Canada & spend time in Carman with us as well.  One time, when we had a family reunion at our grandparents, strangers kept coming by and asking if that was the campground coz we had so many tents & campers on the property.  Both my parents came from large families and we would get together frequently. Even though I was young when Gayle got married & moved away, (Gayle was 5 years older than me) I looked up to her as my big sister and wanted to be just like her. She was gorgeous, smart & had many friends.  She was also the apple of my mother's eye, her being the first born.  That didn't bother me, I thought she was fantastic as well. I was so upset on her wedding day that I broke down after the ceremony thinking about her moving away.  She promised me that I could come visit her soon and she kept her promise and sent me a plane ticket to visit her & her husband in Minneapolis. Gayle made up her mind to move back to Winnipeg prior to our mom passing away.  We all thought that mom would get better & the whole family would be together again.  Our mom & dad were so exited that Gayle & David were moving home.  It was very sad that our mom did not live long enough to enjoy Gayle & David's move back to Winnipeg however our Dad did live for another 10 years after our mom passed away and we would get together with my Dad often.  Gayle really enjoyed the time with our Dad and she had a knack for getting him to talk about his early years and recount many stories. After that I recall my Mom & Dad loading us 5 kids in the car along with all our luggage & we'd drive to Minneapolis to spend Christmas with Gayle.  While my mom was alive, we would always have the family together at Christmas.  If we didn't travel to see Gayle, then she would come home for Christmas.   When Gayle & second husband Bill moved to Indianapolis, my brother Gary & I flew there to visit with her.  When David was born, my parents flew there, even though they were not ones to fly.  When her & Bill moved to Columbus, Ohio, I flew there as well to visit.  When Gayle decided to move her & David to Winnipeg, my sister Glenna flew out to Columbus and kept Gayle company on the long drive back to Winnipeg. At times, Gayle & I would see each other several times a week.  Other times we would go a week or so without touching bases but it didn't matter coz we knew that we were in each other's thoughts.  We always had that connection. We golfed together in a ladies league for several years at Harborview Golf Course.  We both loved trying out new restaurants, and did so frequently.  We would go shopping and for lunch on many occasions.  In the summer, we'd float around in her pool after work and talk about anything and everything. We also went for regular pedicures with our mutual friend Sandy & would go out for dinner afterward.  Gayle knew that if anything ever happened to her, that I would take care of David and that comforted her.  David meant the world to her and he means the world to me as well.  She did a great job of raising him and I told her that often. I can't imagine life without her. I can't allow myself to go there. It would be too painful.

My mom always believed in my writing, as she did everything else I did. I have no doubt that she would give her full support and approval to me here today, and I can hear her with me now, as I write this, encouraging me, reassuring me. I wouldn't be able to get through this without her.
How can I possibly sum up all of who my mom was? It seems unfair to a person who was so many things to so many people. The best I can do is express what she meant to me. I'm sure everyone here will find that these impressions will ring true for their relationship with my mom as well.
My mom is my best friend. I have no shame in saying that emphatically. There is no way I can imagine my life – who I am, what I've done, and who I will be – without her influence. I am so lucky to be able to say that I truly felt the utmost love growing up with her. She took every chance she could to remind me of how much she cared for me.
I always knew where I stood with my mom. We could read each other like a book. We always joked about how we shared ESP; how we were psychically linked. I could be at work and suddenly be struck with an idea of what to make for dinner, and I knew she would be thinking the same. A call on the phone to discuss it was merely perfunctory, a way for us to have a laugh about our shared sixth sense. It wasn't anything to marvel at, it was simply how our relationship operated. 
But we didn't always agree, and we weren't afraid to let each other know it. We could both be extremely stubborn, each certain of our respective way of doing things, traits that she so graciously passed-down to me. One of our favorite pastimes was to engage in a healthy, heated debate, which 
My mom donated regularly to charities, something she learned the value of from her father, and in turn worked to instill in me. She brought me up with a strong set of values, manners, and habits, but made it all look so effortless. I can't recall my mom ever having to formally educate me on what it took to be a good person, I only had to follow her example.
There are some things I can't thank my mom for, however. I sure didn't get my sense of rhythm from her. But despite her self-admitted lack of rhythm, she did impress upon me a deep love for music. Some of my fondest memories are of us driving around the city listening to tapes of The Beatles, Patsy Cline, Bobby Darrin, The Doors. We'd sing along to The Mamas and the Papas' California Dreamin', even though neither of us could hold a note very well. We didn't mind; we had fun together, and held nothing back.
There were so many things that she and I enjoyed doing together, and nothing will ever look the same without her. 
I can attribute my passion for movies to her. Our regular trips to the theater were an occasion we both cherished. When I told her I had decided to major in film studies at the university instead of business, she never batted an eye. She allowed me the freedom to make my own decisions, and become the person I wanted to be. She put all of her faith and trust in me, and I in her.  
My mom and I, as I'm sure most of you know, were tremendously close. But despite our connection, I wish I had known her better, and taken more time to find out about her life as a young girl: what were her hopes and dreams? Her fears? Did she like broccoli? She was so selfless that in a sense she lost part of herself. She did so much for me and I only wish I could pay her back for it all. 
Now she's gone, and a large piece of me has left with her. But when I look out at everyone here today I am reminded of how many people she impacted, and I feel closer to her for it. There is nothing that can repair the damage done to me by her death, but all of the love I feel for her today through all of you will go a long way. 
Mom, I love and miss you so much. I can't accept that you're gone. There's still so much that I need to talk to you about; share with you. All I can do now is carry you in my memory, and in my heart, and live the rest of my life to make you happy. Because you deserve at least that.

I've been a close friend of David for the last dozen or so years. Because of our friendship, I was lucky enough to grow to know Gayle well and be able to call her a mentor, a friend and a loved one. I like to jokingly refer to Gayle as my second mom as their place was always my home away from home. I'm quite sure most of David's friends feel the same way about Gayle as she was truly a great individual to have in your life.
If I ever needed advice or just someone to run an idea by, Gayle was often my go to person. As one of the most approachable and understanding of a person that I've come to meet, you could always count on her for an open ear. Nearly every visit to their place started with a ten minute chat with Gayle to catch up with one another before heading to hang out with David. I couldn't find room to compile a list of all of the cases, but Gayle's wisdom and sage advice have definitely contributed to the person that I have come to be today.
Dealing with a bunch of teenage boys in her house was probably not the most enjoyable thing at some points, but Gayle did a great job with all of us. There were times when we had maybe taken a joke or prank too far and Gayle gave us that look, but you knew you were doing alright when you could make Gayle smile or laugh. There were the countless band practices and jam sessions that made the walls of Gayle's home vibrate year after year and she has always been one to let us know when we sounded good and when we sounded a bit rusty; her honesty was always personally appreciated. Late night games of poker and rummy were common with Gayle and our group of friends. Some of the most glorious battles of trivial pursuit came to an end at the hands of Gayle's deep well of knowledge. It has been a few years since our last game but her wit was no doubt as sharp as ever.
Gayle became more than just the parent of a friend. She became one of the gang that we all came to love and respect. Her unrelenting hospitality often exceeded expectation which just goes to show how incredible a person she was. Gayle may no longer be here with us, but what she has instilled in me will carry with me for the rest of my life. Although I may not be able to make new memories with her, I will always cherish those that I have and look back upon the great times we shared together.

I want to share a memory of Gayle with you.
Gayle was a second mom to me, she never judged or criticized me. A couple years ago I was going through my own personal issues that I wasn't comfortable enough to talk to my parents about. I knew Gayle would always welcome me with open arms into her house, no matter what time of the day it was, I was having trouble sleeping at night so I would end up at Gayle's at dark and it never bothered her. Gayle and David's home was my home away from home while I was going through my own problems. I would be at their house 5 days a week, sometimes even 7 nights a week. For several months I would be at Gayle's, knowing that the door was always unlocked and she would be the first person I see when I stepped into her home. Once I see Gayle, I would pour my heart out to her and she would listen and help me through my struggles. It was always a positive attitude that Gayle shared with me and it helped me get better every day. Sometimes I would be sitting down talking to Gayle for seconds, minute and at times over an hour. Gayle knew when I was upset, she would ask me how things were going and was curious to how I was progressing, a great listener she was.  I felt wanted, comforted and happy when i was at Gayles because I knew that she cared about me. Gayle will always be a part of my life and I will never forget the positive impact she had on me, I don't know where I would be if it wasn't for her.

Hello everyone, my name is Gary and Gayle is my big sister. I want to thank everyone for attending this afternoon. I'm sure Gayle would be deeply touched by your presence here today.  As siblings close in age (a year and a half apart), we shared many special moments growing up. Many a summer we spent at our grandmas house in Carman mb. I recall Gayle and i walking to our aunt Edies house, only to be accosted by the biggest grasshoppers you'd ever want to meet up with, VERRY   SCAREY!! We would also look forward to the Carman Fair, which we attended faithfully with wide eyed wonder.  I remember a time when we were a couple of pipsqueaks , playing afternoon tea in a spot we called the "Cubby Hole". It seemed like time stood still for us, but as we all know, time does move on. Gayle, those memories will always be engrained in my mind. You were and will always be very special to me. So the next time we see each other, i hope it will be in that spot we called OUR CUBBY HOLE.      Thank you

I have been blessed with  knowing Gayle for the past fifteen years. So many memories that I will cherish in my heart forever. We shared the good time and the bad times and forged a strong bond that nothing could break. I will miss her beautiful smile. Walk with the angels my friend.  And to David, your mom could never stop talking about you and how proud she was.  You are a amazing young man.  Love always, Sandi

For almost 50 years we were BFF's (long
before the term was coined). I still remember 47 years ago when I moved to Calgary and we had to say good-bye - I was inconsolable.We were polar opposites ( I was the shy quiet introvert to your out-going personality) but we went everywhere and did everything together. I will always cherish those memories. We always kept in touch over the years and even though time passed, you were always in my thoughts and in my heart, and that will never change.
Till we meet again my dearest friend, rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to David and all the Duncan children and their families.
Gayle was my best friend from the age of 14. We shared many happy times together which I will forever cherish.  Your Mother, Sister and Aunt was a very beautiful and generous person with a heart of gold and I will miss her dearly....more than words can convey.  I am so lucky that she left her footprint on my heart and I will carry that with me for the rest of my life.  Sorry that I cannot be with you at this time David as we talked about the other night.  I will soon be in touch.   Love you all.

Christine Bridges (Balzer) & Ron & Kristopher

My heartfelt Condolences to the family of Gayle Duncan - Knipe. My memories of interacting with Gayle has been so pleasant. Rest in Peace ..! Sam Jayapalan CNA Toronto

My deepest condolences to the family of my cousin Gayle. Gayle was always a class act and a person I admired... she will be missed. Rest in Peace. Love Grant.

Hello, just wanted to send our families condolences on the loss of Gayle. Our mother was very good friends with  Alvina and Merv, WE lived next door in St. Boniface, and once the Duncan's moved, we had a yearly Santa Claus Parade date,  supper at the family home, lots of laughs with all the kids, and Gayle was the oldest and had the great job of keeping us contained.  

Our deepest sympathies, but hope that the knowledge that she is reunited with her mom and dad helps, as well as your many memories.

Geoffrey, Kathryn and Janis Thompson, (Shirley Thompson's children).

Kathy (dupuiski@mymts.net)

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Gayle Susan Duncan-Knipe

18 août 1952 – 25 janvier 2014

Thomson Funeral Home

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