It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of our dear mother & grandmother (Maxine) Gail Fairbairn on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the age of 80 years old.
Gail married our father Chuck, in November of 1959 and thus began a 60 year love story which sadly ended upon his passing in January 2020. Chuck & Gail began their married life in Calgary, AB followed by moves to Fort St. John BC, Edmonton, AB, Richmond, BC, Calgary, AB. Finally, in 1999 they moved to Olds, where they thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful life of living in a smaller community.
Gail started her working career at AGT [Telus] in the 1960’s as a Telephone Operator, which began a lifelong enjoyment of many, many phone calls to family & friends. A phone call with Gail always meant there would be a listening ear, whether it be through good times or bad. Upon moving to Richmond, BC, Gail worked for 15+ years at Sears, where she met one of her dearest friends, Joan Schneider. Upon her early retirement in 1989, Gail & Chuck spent the next 10 years travelling as Snowbirds to Arizona during the winter months. With her husband’s career in RV’s, this period of life was one of numerous road trip adventures, travelling through many states in America. Gail & Chuck loved to RV camp and shared this passion with their children & grandchildren. They had the opportunity to travel across Canada during the 2000’s as they proudly represented their province in the Canada +55 Summer Games.
Gail was a vibrant member of the Olds community, especially enjoying Book Club at the Olds Library. She managed to read an average of seven books a month, even as her sight began to fail her. Gail recently received acknowledgment as a 20-year Olds Hospital Volunteer. As an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gail spent many years as the church’s Financial Secretary and several years as the Women’s Group Treasurer. She participated in most aspects of parish life, including Communion Serving, Coffee Fellowship, Potlucks, Teas, Bake Sales, Christmas Brunches, meetings, etc, she will be deeply missed by her Parish family. Gail loved card games, specifically Contract & Duplicate Bridge and was competitive when needed and compassionate when teaching her beloved game.
Gail’s greatest joy in life was family & friends, many of whom met and knew her for 50+ years! Gail loved children and gathered many additional grandchildren through her friendships. She was a true friend and would never let anyone down. Gail deeply felt the isolation during the challenges of the Covid pandemic, which only heightened her grief throughout the many months of restrictions this past year. Her sudden illness was shocking and we will deeply miss her.
Gail is survived by her children, Wesley Fairbairn, Karen [Steve] Smith, grandchildren, Brent [Cassie] Smith, Lauren Smith, great-grandchildren Blake Feenstra and Fredrik Smith. Siblings Annette Kusal, Frank [Karen] Patterson, brother-in-law Doug [Maureen] Fairbairn and sister-in-law Margaret [Ron] Livingston. Gail is predeceased by her husband Chuck Fairbairn, parents Bill & Ellen Patterson, sisters Yvonne [Bob] Nichols, Donna [Dan] Goodison & Lorna Dee Patterson. Gail will be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends and especially the children who called her Grandma Gail.
A Celebration of Life was held for Gail [via Zoom] on Sunday, January 24, 2021, keeping in memoriam her beloved husband Chuck who passed away one year ago.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Canadian Sepsis Foundation or to a charity of your choice.
West View Funeral Services, Olds, entrusted with arrangements. 403-556-6576
