We Remember
JAMES, Gail
—
1949 – 2024
Gail passed away peacefully at Kelowna Hospice on the evening of July 27, 2024.
Predeceased by her mother, Doris, and father, Douglas Brewer, Gail is survived by her husband, Alan, and their son, Quentin, both of Kelowna.
Born in Kamloops, Gail grew up on the small family farm in Glenmore where she attended Dr. Knox High School and spent many wonderful hours riding with the Kelowna Riding Club.
After High School, she began work with a local company, Copytron. It was here she met her husband, Alan, and they were married in 1976. Gail had a knack for accounting, and those skills and interest took her to the Comptroller job for the local McDonalds franchises, owned by Bill and Ronnie Pihach. From there, Gail moved into the hospitality industry and remained there for the rest of her long and successful career – first as the Manager of the Royal Anne Hotel and then as the Front Desk Manager of The Grand Okanagan Resort. After 14 years at The Grand, Gail left in 2006 to open the Marriott Hotel in Kelowna and later another one in Vernon, becoming the first Marriott-approved manager in the Okanagan Valley.
Gail was a member of the Kelowna Hotel/Motel Association and took an active role in the Downtown Kelowna Association in its formative years. Her most longstanding volunteering, however, has been with the West Kelowna Yacht Club. Over her years there she took on many roles, and in 2021/2022 stood as the Club’s Commodore.
Beyond the work world, Gail was surrounded by lots of loving friends drawn to her vibrant personality. Whether it be her time or advice, food or a recipe, Gail was an extremely loyal friend with a fiery spirit and colourful language that could call “a spade, a spade” and stand up for others. Her Legacy of love, loyalty, and generosity will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
As evidenced by everyone, in her personal life, Gail’s true loves were her husband Al and her son Quentin, who were her greatest sources of joy and pride. Al and Quentin will forever carry her memory in their hearts, cherishing the unconditional love she shared with them.
The family would like to offer a special thank you to Dr. Sara Taylor, Oncologist, Dr. Lisa Henczel, and all the thoughtful and helpful staff at Central Okanagan Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the BC Cancer – Kelowna – Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior.
A Celebration of Life for Gail will be held on Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (PDT), at the West Kelowna Yacht Club, 4111 Gellatly Road, West Kelowna, BC.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (PDT)
Location
West Kelowna Yacht Club, 4111 Gellatly Road, West Kelowna, BC
Share with Others:
BC Cancer - Kelowna - Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre for the Southern Interior Link: www.bccancer.bc.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for JAMES, Gail is scheduled for Sunday, August 25, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm (PDT). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
West Kelowna Yacht Club, 4111 Gellatly Road, West Kelowna, BC
4111 Gellatly Road, West Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
Allan and Quintin- Sending heartfelt condolences. .
RIP Moma bear, I will always hold you close to my heart for all you taught me and helped me through. You are one of a kind 💔❤️
Alan and Quentin……..so sorry for your loss. Gail was such a sweet, fun loving lady. I have so many great memories of our time at The Grand. Sending great big hugs your way. I’m so sorry I won’t be able to say farewell to Gail in the 25th as I will be in Vancouver Island. I will be thinking of you Rest in peace Gail. You will be missed. Xoxox
We are so very sorry to hear about Gail. Sending you and Quinton our deepest sympathy during these difficult days. Hugs
My deepest condolences to Alan, Quentin, and everyone who loved Gail dearly! She will be missed. Much love, xx
My thoughts are will you, Al and Quentin. Gail was a force to be reckoned with! I learned so much from her over the years we worked together. All who knew her will miss her. Always a positive soul. Take care. Love and hugs. Angie
I am so sad to hear the news of Gail’s passing. I was so lucky to have Gail and Al as my neighbours when I was living in West Kelowna. Gail was always so upbeat thoughtful and generous with her Time and she made me laugh. She will be remembered and missed by many.
I met Gail not long after I moved to Kelowna when she hired me to work at The Grand in 1994. . She used to call me “a diamond in the rough” and gave me opportunities to do things I didn’t think I could do. Gail was a mentor and a second mom to me and many others, and I feel privileged to have known her. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for crossing life’s path with Gail My deepest condolences to Alan & Quentin. Sending much love.
I am a meeting planner and had the good fortune to work with Gayle at the Delta. She was a plethora of information and I learned so much from her and I am grateful to this day for the time she took to mentor me. I see many other people fee that way and what a tremendous legacy to leave in life. A life well lived and well love. My deepest condolences to both Alan and Quentin.
Lane Shupe, Thompson OKanagan Dental Meeting
My condolences to the family. I met Gail while working with her at the Grand, she helped me a great deal with many things during that time. I am saddened to hear of her passing RIP Gail.🙏🏻
I remember Gail from Dr. Knox School. We were in the same class. Rest in peace.