Gail Pearson

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Gail Pearson, on Friday, November 20, 2020. In 2009, Gail was predeceased by her husband of 42 years, Ron. She will be lovingly remembered and very missed by her son, Mike (Koralee) and daughter Lori (Tim), and her four grandkids, Emily, Amanda, MacIntyre, and Jemma.

Gail was born in Edmonton on December 1, 1940, the second of four kids. In 1951 the family moved to White Rock, BC, where Gail attended White Rock Elementary and Semiahmoo High School. You can still find her picture on the wall!

Along with spending a lot of time with her sister, Evie, Gail was part of Teen Town, a group of White Rock kids who painted the big rock white every time their rivals painted it black! Gail played basketball, could catch any baseball her brother, Mel, threw at her, and made all her own clothes for years. Along with her youngest sibling, Brian, Gail and her brothers and sister had a busy life in White Rock and developed a sacred pact early on: “Don’t tell mom!”

At the age of 17, Gail attended UBC where she started her teaching degree. She loved her profession and over 40 years taught in many communities including Campbell River, Port Alberni, West Van, Williams Lake, and Vernon; plus a teaching spell in London, England, while backpacking in 1965!

Gail moved to Prince George to teach in 1965 where she met Ron (a forester) at a party her friends held in their “singles only” apartment complex. Ron and Gail stayed in Prince George and were married on May 20, 1967. They built a house together and later welcomed their son, Mike, in 1968 and daughter, Lori, in 1971.

The young family moved to Williams Lake in 1972 where they lived happily for 17 years. Gail’s favourite memories with her family were: camping, swimming lessons in the icy Williams Lake, watching them play sports, and reading with Mike and Lori. Gail and Ron built 2 houses at the ’50, one of which was on a 100-acre hay farm which they hayed in the summers. They loved to go to parties with their friends, hosting many memorable snowmobile/ping pong parties and dancing the night away at the Williams Lake Stampede.

Fondly called “Gailbird” by her Whitehorse family, Gail often travelled there to visit her parents, brothers, sister, and extended family. She loved to spend time at Mel’s cabin, where she and Ron started the 50th birthday mug tradition and helped establish the annual golf tournament -- Family (siblings) versus Wannabes (spouses). Gail and Ron also enjoyed keeping in touch with Ron’s family and friends in Vernon.

In 1989, Gail and Ron moved to Vernon. Gail taught learning assistance at Alexis Park Elementary and was passionate about her students. They spent time golfing, travelling, visiting with friends and family, gardening, and enjoying their boat and pool in the summer. They were very proud when Mike married Koralee in 1993 and Lori married Tim in 2005 and always looked forward to spending time with their grandchildren.

After Ron’s death, Gail maintained a busy, independent and adventurous life. She golfed weekly, became the treasurer of the Vernon Retired Teachers’ Association, played a good bridge game, took part in “Girls Night Out’, travelled the world, was her grandkids’ biggest fan, kept ties strong with her family and friends, and continued to make new friends along the way.

She will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Due to Covid, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the BC Cancer Society or the Red Cross.