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GAIL ELAINE RYCKMAN (JOHNSON)
Born: Jan 21, 1954
Date of Passing: Feb 12, 2013
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
GAIL ELAINE RYCKMAN (JOHNSON) Surrounded with the love of her husband and children, Gail passed away peacefully at her home in Stony Mountain on February 12, 2013. Gail's vibrant spirit is very much alive in the minds and hearts of Hal, her husband of 38 years, daughter Julia, sons Michael and Daniel, and brother Vance. Gail was predeceased by her parents Elaine Johnson (Semenko) and Earle Johnson. Gail was born in Winnipeg on January 21, 1954 and grew up in Elmwood, attending George V and Kent Road schools and Elmwood High. Shortly after graduation in 1972, Gail, a striking beauty with long dark hair, met Hal, a young rock n' roll drummer. They fell deeply in love on their first date and married in 1974. Gail introduced Hal to wilderness canoeing, and during the first six years of their marriage, they went on many memorable canoe trips with their dog Trapper, enjoying the beauty and solitude of the outdoors. In 1979, Gail and Hal together built their dream home, a log house, in Stony Mountain. In 1980, Gail became a mother with the birth of their daughter Julia. The same year Gail graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Her family grew with the additions of Michael in 1983 and Daniel in 1987. Gail was a talented and creative visual artist who worked in a variety of mediums including pencil, paint, print-making and clay. She was also an incredibly gifted teacher, working at the Winnipeg Art Gallery for many years, first as an art instructor and then as the Head of Studio Programs. Her many other talents included Red Cross Canoe Instructor, Girl Guide Leader and master soap maker. Over the past few years she concentrated on creating and enjoying her backyard paradise with the addition of a pool, large patio and screened gazebo which has been the site for many family barbecues and pool parties. Gail loved to swim and up to the day her illness suddenly struck she was swimming 80 laps each day in her pool. Gail's creativity, intelligence, kindness and grace touched everyone she met. She taught her children to be independent thinkers and to follow their dreams. She valued friendship and held close to her heart three groups of lifelong friends: her Elmwood High friends, Caddy Lake Girl Guide Camp friends, and U. of M. art school friends. A celebration of Gail's life and the wonderful gifts she gave to us all, will be held Tuesday, February 19, 2:00 p.m. at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Muriel Richardson Auditorium. Donations in her memory may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation (www.cancercarefdn.mb.ca) or to the South West District Palliative Care Inc. (www.canadahelps.org and search for South West District Palliative Care Inc. or mail to P.O. Box 1282, Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0). The family wishes to thank Dr. Ralph Wong, Dr. Shantanu Banerji, Dr. Piotr Czaykowski, the staff at CancerCare Manitoba, the HSC Gold Team and the wonderful medical care teams from GD3 and GD4. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 Gimli: 204-642-7124 www.nbardal.mb.ca
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 16, 2013
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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So sorry to hear of your loss of Gail always had a great time together on social outings with the Kinsmen. Still remember the Cabin Fever Releiver Party you hosted. How Gail had the pillars wrapped in burlap and bananas hanging to make it tropical. She was such a creative person fun to be with. - Posted by: Larry & Frieda Flett (Friends) on: Mar 05, 2013
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Hal and Family Sorry to hear about Gail's passing. I went to school with Gail and lived in Elmwood all my life while growing up and thought she was a very warm and caring person and she will be truly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Posted by: Wayne Kozak (School freind) on: Feb 16, 2013
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I remember Mrs. Ryckman as being one of the most calm, lovely people I've ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. - Posted by: Michele Balfour () on: Feb 15, 2013
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So sorry for your loss Hal and family. Gail was a lovely person. - Posted by: Peggy Fontaine (Kenning) (friend) on: Feb 15, 2013
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I have so many wonderful childhood memories from Gail's house. Julia, you and your family are in my thoughts. - Posted by: Wren Egan () on: Feb 14, 2013
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Sorry for your loss Hal, Gail will be missed. We always felt welcome when on vacation in Winnipeg, thanks for being part of our lives. Bob & Julie - Posted by: Bob & Julie Kingston (Cousins) on: Feb 14, 2013
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Hal; So very sad to read this notice. What a wonderful life you and Gail have had together, and our thoughts are with you. - Posted by: John Donetz (Friend) on: Feb 14, 2013
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Mrs. Ryckman was an amazing Woman who taught me so much growing up , I have so many memories of time spent with her at their family home and out camping with Girl Guides and her love for All that was Art. If it wern't for her I wouldn't be as creative as I am nor would I have the love of music that I do , She would encourage Julia and I to practice our music at their house and loved to listen to us play. I will truly miss her but am thankful for everything she has brought to my life. thank you Mrs Ryckman for everything ! - Posted by: Charlene McKay () on: Feb 14, 2013
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Our thougts and prayers are with you - Posted by: Don Mac Kenzie () on: Feb 14, 2013
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Hal & Family: What a beautiful announcement you have created on Gail's passing. You said it all, Gail was a wonderful person, so talented, spirited and so much fun. Although I had not seen her for a few years, I can still hear her voice, so lively and feisty. My thoughts are with you during these tough times. - Posted by: Cheryl Newman (Girl Guides) on: Feb 14, 2013
