Gail Irene Nelson Aust

Gail Aust was born on a beautiful sunny day on February 23rd, 1944, to parents, Irene and Raymond Nelson. She was born at home on the farm situated northwest of Buffalo Gap, SK. Despite the time of year, there was no snow, which pleased the attending Dr. Walsh as he had to drive from Coronach to the farm.

Gail grew up on the farm. She had 2 sisters, Deanna and Janet, who became her lifelong friends and confidants. And later on 2 brothers, Jim and Kim, were born to make the family complete.

From early childhood Gail spent much of her time visiting and living with Grandma and Grandpa Nelson, who lived very close by. By the time she was in school Gail spent more and more time with them. When Grandpa died she lived with Grandma in her little house and took care of her in her older years until she passed away.

Gail started school in 1950 at Buffalo Gap School. In 1958 the school was moved to Big Beaver and she attended there until graduating in 1962. During her high school years she met the love of her life Ronald Aust. They dated until 1965 when they got married. That was the beginning of 47 happy years of marriage.

After graduating Gail moved to Regina where she worked for Sask Power as a key punch operator. Ron was also in Regina working at Safeway. In 1964 he moved back to Big Beaver to work in his family’s store, Aust’s General Store. The following year Gail moved back also and they were married on May 22, 1965.

They both worked in the Aust’s Store and lived up above in the living quarters. They later bought a house and lived a few blocks from the store.

In April of 1967 they were blessed with the birth of their son Chad. They called him their Canadian Centennial Project. Not to be outdone, Nicole came along in March of 1971 in time to be their Sask. Homecoming Project.

Gail worked in the store for 46 years, raised her family, had gardens and flowers and was always there for friends and family alike. Everybody respected and loved her.

Two of the happiest occurrences in Gail’s story are the marriages of her children. Chad married Shelly Hiltz in November 1989 in Regina. Nicole married Kim Seifert in October 2009 in Regina. Gail could not have been happier with her new daughter and son. She was so pleased that they all lived within a short distance so that she saw them often – especially after the grandchildren came along. Her grandchildren Todd, Haley, Taylor and Michael were the light of her life. She loved every moment they spent with her.

In the summer of 2011, due to feeling tired and lacking energy, Gail started staying home from the store. When tests were completed she was diagnosed with cancer. She never smoked or drank but the dreaded disease had found her anyway. The following months were very trying for Gail. She went through months of chemo treatments and did everything possible to prolong her life. Her husband, children, and grandchildren were there for her. As were all of her family and friends. She fought valiantly because of her love of life and she said she had so many places to see and so many more books to read.

On June 5, 2012 Gail lost her battle. She passed away at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina with all her immediate family at her side.

Rest in peace Gail. We all loved you and will miss you forever.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband of 47 years, Ronnie, son Chad (Shelly), daughter Nicole (Kim), grandkids Tad and Haley, step-grandkids Taylor and Michael, her parents Raymond & Irene Nelson; sisters Janet Kirby and Deanna Van Alstyne; brothers Jim and Kim, mother-in-law Lena Aust, sister-in-law Linda (Wayne) Fafard, numerous nieces and nephews.

Private Family Service was held June 8, 2012 at Ross Funeral Chapel with the Reverend Arden Barden officiating. Donations in Memory of Gail may be made to Allan Blair Cancer Clinic (Sask. Cancer Agency #204 – 3775 Pasqua St., Regina S4S 6W8) or the Coronach Health Center & Trust Committee, Box 150, Coronach, SK S0H 0Z0. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com