Gail Vera Gray

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Gail Vera Gray. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Gail was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

Gail was born on March 27, 1954 at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Ontario. She was the daughter of Kenneth Gray and Vera Carson. Gail was also raised in Toronto, Ontario. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Gail was an obedient child who wanted to win the favour of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Gail's personality throughout her life.

Though Gail was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Gail was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Gail worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Gail was raised with five siblings. She had four sisters, Gloria, Gwen, Gena, Kimberly and a brother Kenneth. Gail and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who revelled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Gail was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although she had an exacting nature, Gail was always tactful. One thing Gail will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl, Gail had a number of interests and was an active child. Gail loved jump rope, track and field and running. In her spare time she liked ice skating, swimming and tobogganing Gail's memorable achievements included winning an award for spelling and track and field.

For Gail, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Gail was also adept at details. Gail was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Bayview Secondary School in 1973. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favourite classes and teachers. Her favourite class in high school was English. Also Gail won an award in Math.

College can be a challenge, but Gail appeared to be well equipped to succeed. She had a knack for staying focused and on track no matter what was going on around her. Gail had the ability to work undisturbed through all of the constant interruptions that are a regular part of college life. Gail enjoyed using the skills she'd already learned and applying them to new courses. She knew the facts and rarely made factual errors. She earned her Business Degree from George Brown College in 1986.

There was one thing that all of Gail's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Gail was such a popular person throughout her life. But Gail was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Gail was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Gail was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Gail was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Gail was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Gail made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, some of her best friends were Diane, Louise and Jeannie. Later in life, she became friends with Gretchin and Heather.

Gail was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Gail cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On February 1972 Gail married Mark Arthur Campbell at Toronto City Hall. Compassionate, Gail worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Gail and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Gail was blessed with one child, Jesse Donald Jay Campbell. She was also blessed with one grandchild, Natasha Su Alice Campbell. Gail was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Gail would listen before she would act.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Gail, and she expected the same from those around her. Gail was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was in Executive Administration. She was employed by Touche and Ross. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

A methodical woman, Gail enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favourite hobbies were pottery, knitting, sewing and reading.

Gail was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Gail was always enthusiastic and a great team player. In high school, Gail enjoyed track and field. In her college years, Gail continued to stay active by practicing Karate. Recreational sports included jogging and working out.

Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Gail to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Gail did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn’t shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. In high school, Gail was a member of the Drama Club. Throughout her later years, Gail was an active member of the Neighbourhood Link Community Out Reach Program.

Gail was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. She was appreciated and respected. She could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about her own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that she was active and highly valued by those in her community, serving on committees for after school programs. Politically, Gail supported the NDP and worked for Stephen Lewis and family.

A generous and compassionate woman, Gail accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Gail was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Her most prestigious award was for BEST Mother and Grandmother Award.

Gail enjoyed traveling, her Favourite vacation was to Florida.

Gail was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Some of her favourites were JJ, a German Shepherd, Sprite, a Cockatiel and Peaches, a Hamster, who were her good friends for a number of years. Gail had JJ for 10 years, Sprite for 3 years and Peaches for its whole life.

Gail passed away on October 29, 2008 peacefully at home.

Gail was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Gail was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Gail Vera Gray.