We Remember
GAAL, Arlene
February 22, 1937 — November 7, 2021
On November 7, 2021, Arlene Beverley Gaal passed away at Sun Pointe Village in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 84.
Arlene was born in the coal mining town of Michel, BC in 1937, moved to Kelowna in 1968 with her husband Joe and their three children. She was an elementary schoolteacher for many years before starting her writing career. Arlene also created and ran a local Rutland newspaper, taught creative writing, and served as President of the Okanagan Author’s association. Arlene had a column with the Kelowna Daily Courier and also became a published author, writing books on the Ogopogo and local BC history. She was a consultant for many TV documentaries as an expert on the history of the Ogopogo. Arlene also appeared in several TV shows such as Front Page Challenge, Unsolved Mysteries, and Destination Truth to name a few.
She was predeceased by her parents Alexander and Margaret Walker; her husband Joseph Gaal; her son Joey, who died in Thailand in 1989; and her brother-in-law James Johnston. She is survived by son David and his wife Miyuki who live in Saiki City, Japan; her daughter Laurie; and grandsons Jordan, Colton and Joshua (Breanna); as well as her sister Bernice; brother Ken (Elynda); and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Sun Pointe Village, and a special thank-you to the compassionate staff on the Reid’s Corner unit for the care that you showed Arlene.
No funeral service, at her request; a small family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
I am sorry for your loss. I met your Mom and Dad years ago, and always admired her strength and wisdom. My deepest condolences. God Bless.
We are so sorry for your loss Laurie & family! Sending lots of love at this time ❤️
Hi Laurie, My deepest condolences for the loss of your mom. I so enjoyed taking care of your mom at sunpointe village. We all loved her. I especially loved her enthusiasm and spark when we talked about her books. She was all smiles when i curled her hair Arlene will be missed by Reid’s Corner.. She was an amazing woman.
Suzanne
I had the pleasure of speaking with Arlene several times while I was a reporter in Vernon. She was always a great source of information and I appreciated her willingness to share her knowledge. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
My Condolences to you and your family Laurie. I’m sure your mom will be missed by all the people lives she touched while she was alive. Stay strong and remember the great time you spent with her. Sending you my love.
We’re so sorry to hear of Arlene’s passing. What an amazing woman! So interested in people and the world around her yet believed in the magic of Ogopogo. She will be missed by so many.
Neptune Road neighbours, Jack and Suzanne
Laurie, David and Miyuki please accept my condolences on the passing of your mother and mother in law Arlene whom I knew for 34 years.
We shared a great passion for Ogopogo and worked together in the 1980s and 1990s and shared tons of information on the denizen of the deep for years.
She was a lovely lady and so smart. It was a privilege to know her and I am deeply saddened that she has now passed.
John Kirk,
Chairman, British Columbia Scientific Cryptozoology Club.
So sorry to hear of Arlene’s passing. She was a wonderful writer and her musings were a great contribution to the community. My condolences to the family.
We send our condolences to our cousin’s children David & Laura and their families. This is a sad time for all but Arlene will remain in our hearts and through the printed word as a world expert on the legendary ‘Ogopogo’.
My deepest sympathy for the loss of this dear person. Thank you for sharing her with the world.
It was with great sadness to here of Mrs Gaals passing. I grew up with both her sons and had many memories with the family growing up. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
It’s with great sadness that we read about Mrs Gaals passing. There were so many memories as a teenager growing up with her sons, Joe and Dave. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Arlene was our neighbour for many years on Neptune Rd growing up. Sending our thoughts and condolences to your family during this difficult time.
Laurie and boys – my heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of your mother and grandmother.
April Bohay