Dear Keith and Kevin,
Our hearts are with you. We did not know and are sorry we did not. Gail's most lovely and most generous smile shines through our tears tonight as we send loving thoughts to you. How humble we are to know what a storied career she built. All we have to go by, as fellow Bridge parents, was practically living in our vans to ensure that all the best our boys could soak up was just inside the Bridge School rainbow portico as we waited to laugh at each next joy our kids surprised us with. We suppose now that Gail's heart simply outshown her brains. But then again, it's the wisest among us know that love is all; love is everything. And one could never doubt this when in your beautiful mother's, your beautiful wife's, presence. With all our love and prayers to you.

I'm so sorry to hear this. Gail was a terrific lady.  My heart goes out to Kevin and Keith.

I knew Gail as the fierce warrior for her son. She was so caring and committed to Kieth and Kevin-we were so saddened by her passing.  The Drennans

It's easy to think of how our sister Gail touched the lives of those around her.

She was smart. After earning her Physics degree from San Jose State, she joined Lockheed as a satellite operations engineer, where she monitored and analyzed telemetry for military communications satellites. Later, as an engineer at Advanced Software Resources, she was part of a team that developed the ground support system for the Milstar satellite.  A colleague there recalled how she always provided a calming influence on the eclectic team.

Gail was also an also incredible baker who was never afraid to try new things. Whether it was a complicated yeast bread or a chocolate soufflé, she could create dishes and desserts as beautiful as any you would see in a magazine. She somehow made it look easy.  When she would say "it's just an experiment" before serving you, you knew that you were about to be amazed.

She was a terrific, loving and supportive wife to Kevin.  In their 27 years of marriage, they enjoyed trips to Europe, Hawaii and Alaska. They took trips to the East Coast to visit family. They bought a beautiful Craftsman home in the Naglee Park neighborhood. Kevin recalls how it was the little, thoughtful things she did behind the scenes that made that little house on South 13th street a home.

She was an incredible mother to Keith. She never missed an opportunity to enrich his life with social activities, playdates with his buddies, and helping him keep up on the latest movies. But she also made sure Keith did his homework each night and completed his school projects.  She was Keith's biggest cheerleader when he launched "Thumbs Up", a lunch delivery service.

Gail wasn't afraid to try new things when it came to giving Keith ways to grow and expand his world. Seeing how a companion dog could enrich Keith's life, she and Kevin bravely became dog parents to Gerrit, a specially-trained Labrador retriever. Gail had no experience with dogs, but suddenly, there she was, tripping over dog toys in the house, running Gerrit to vet appointments, and vacuuming up endless fur balls.  She worked hard with Gerrit, drilled him constantly in obedience, and ensured that he never lost his focus on being there for Keith. 

Gail also made holidays special for all of us whether it was a formal Christmas dinner or a casual birthday celebration.  For Keith, she made sure that he always had the coolest Halloween costume whether it was a shark, a racing car or a dump truck complete with a front loader. 
 
But Gail was often the mysteriously quiet child out of the three of us. If she wanted to do something, she would, no matter what anyone told her.  As a child, for example, she declared war on vegetables. During dinner, she could stuff vegetables up into her cheeks without Mom noticing, excuse herself to go to the bathroom, then return to triumphantly confide in us that she had flushed the evil peas or nasty lima beans down the toilet.

Gail was also a skilled gardener who, during a 30-minute walk around her neighborhood, could identify dozens of plants and flowers, recite all their colors, and provide planting tips. If you expressed interest in a plant, she was likely to gift you one just like it the next time she saw you. She truly lived up to our maiden name of Gardner.

She shared that love of gardening with Keith, often building accessible gardens where he could grow carrots, radishes, designer lettuce, colorful beans and lemon cucumbers.

As much as she loved building a welcoming home, Gail loved escaping for some "sister time" at the mall.  On those trips, we never had to buy much to enjoy our time together – we simply enjoyed being in each other's company. Stopping for lunch or enjoying lattes together meant just as much finding that perfect pair of shoes or discovering a new perfume.  On one shopping trip, we went a little overboard and spent 11 hours at a mall, never once coming out for air. And we survived. In fact, if Gail were here, we would be at Stanford Mall right now armed with coupons and shopping the Labor Day sales.

Gail loved listening to the music of rock and roll greats like Elton John, Neil Young, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and Billy Idol.   In fact, her family was fortunate enough to have met many of these legends as they were devoted supporters of The Bridge School and performed at benefit concerts.

Some of our best memories together as sisters were those times at the dining room table after Gail served a delicious dinner and the guys retired to the living room to watch sports and nod off.  Not wanting to waste a good bottle of wine, the three of us would polish off the leftovers, talking and giggling over silly stuff until we thought our heads would explode.  Those moments, though goofy, were the ultimate bonding. Those were times we could forget about the world around us, confide in one another, and just revel in the joy of being sisters who loved each other madly.

Call us the 3 Musketeers, or Snap, Crackle and Pop, but a threesome we'll always be because you, Gail, will be in our hearts forever.

We miss you so much.

May you rest in peace.

We have so many good memories of Gail. We met when our children were born and remained friends since. So saddened that she was taken so soon. To Gail's family, our deepest sympathies. Love, the Cruickshanks.

Gail was a dear friend - a "big sister" to me.  She lives in the fond memories I have of her.  My life is so much richer for having her friendship.

We are so saddened to hear about Gail.  It is so unfair. Life certainly presents itself with happenings that we cannot explain. Kevin and Keith -our love, thoughts and prayers are with you.

OBITUARY

Gail Martha Kingston

October 20, 1958 – August 20, 2014

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

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