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GAIL FRANCES LANGDALE (BARLOW)
Born: May 05, 1938
Date of Passing: Apr 29, 2020
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GAIL FRANCES LANGDALE
(nee BARLOW)
May 5, 1938 - April 29, 2020
Gail was predeceased by her much loved husband of 47 years, Al, parents, George and Ilya Barlow, sister Gwen (Knight), brother-in-law Ken, and brother Earle.
She is survived by her daughter Nicole (granddogs Kita and Kaze); son Shane; and many nieces and nephews.
Contrary to her diminutive size, Gail was blessed with an incredibly big heart, an outgoing spirit and a strong personality. She always spoke her mind and stood up for what she believed to be right. Gail was also a take charge sort of person; it was no surprise that she was the editor of the Chapman School paper, president of many school committees and valedictorian of Charleswood School. Gail was also very proud to have been born and raised in Charleswood. She loved to tell stories about her childhood adventures and what life was like growing up in her favourite neighbourhood. Some of her fondest memories included spending summers on the family farm in Oakville, MB, trips to California as a teenager, motocross trips and time spent exploring Japan with her daughter.
In 1961 Gail married her longtime sweetheart and soul mate, Alan Langdale. Both Al and Gail believed in creating a welcoming home for others. They enjoyed entertaining family and friends in their younger years and later in life, hosting many exchange students, air cadets, motocrossers and travelling friends of their children. Gail was very proud to have "children" from as far away as South Africa, Germany and Japan; all of whom kept in touch with their "Canadian Mom".
Gail worked as a secretary and bookkeeper at numerous legal offices, Dominion Lending and finally Glenat Enterprises Ltd. before retiring in 2000. After retirement, she and her husband were able to share a love of gardening and every year looked forward to designing and enjoying their yard. It was a great source of pride and joy for both and many hours were spent in their yard bird watching and tending flowers.
Gail was immensely proud of her children and their various accomplishments. She was a strong supporter of her son Shane, during his many years on the motocross circuit. From volunteering at sign-in to cheering from the sidelines, Gail was a familiar sight at the tracks in Manitoba from 1986 until the late 1990s.
Gail's daughter Nicole inherited her love of animals from her Mom - and it was a passion they shared. Gail was often teased for being a beacon for anything that was lost in the neighbourhood. Over the years she rescued dogs, cats, a racoon, a duckling and even a sled dog team complete with sled. Dogs had a special place in her heart and in particular, her granddogs. She took pride in their agility accomplishments and even travelled with her daughter to a national event in 2013. She was an amazing and kind soul when it came to her granddogs and showered them with much love every day.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Grace Hospital for their kindness and support.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association or a charity of their choice.
Cremation has taken place and at Gail's request, no service will be held.
Goodbye Mom - thank you for making our lives so much better. We love you and will miss you with all our hearts.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2020
Condolences & Memories (7 entries)
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Hi Nicole and Shane; I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's recent passing (as well as your Dad's several years ago). When I think back about your Mom and Dad, I remember them as being the coolest parents in the neighbourhood! They were young (well, at the time . . .) and active, living in a brand new house and were always open for a visit ~ they were really a lot of fun and very welcoming. Our family always made a point of knocking on your Mom's door whenever we were visiting Charleswood ~ perhaps old neighbours have a special kinship, and we have certainly felt that way about your family. I'm sure you both must be feeling a significant loss in your Mom's passing, and I want you to know that I will be praying for the Lord to bless you both with peace and comfort as your mourn the loss of wonderful Mom. Much love, Heather - Posted by: Heather Logan (nee Spalding) (Neighbour, Friend, Baby-sitter) on: May 31, 2020
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Shane and Nicole, I am so sorry for your loss and my deepest condolences. There are just too many memories of all the great nights spent with your parents in their kitchen discussing the world problems, meeting up at the motocross events to cheer on Shane, them looking after my dogs, them helping so many times when I was in distress, locking myself out of the house, etc. I was blessed to live next door and have them become "my neighbor parents". Hugs to both of you. - Posted by: Lauralee Harrison (Friend) on: May 14, 2020
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Dearest Nicole and Shane I was so sorry to hear about ‘mom’s’ passing. It seems like yesterday that I was a part of your family and enjoying every second of being a ‘Langdale’. Your mom was a special lady - small in stature, but she had the biggest heart and I will never forget her kind eyes, warm smile and loving hugs. I will always cherish the fond memories I have of her and hold her memory close to my heart. Sending you both love and hugs from across the miles xxx - Posted by: Sandi Tyson (‘South African daughter’) on: May 13, 2020
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Hello Nicole and Shane......across the miles and years we send you our deepest condolences. Love from your Mom's cousins, Nancy, Elaine and Rosemary. - Posted by: Elaine Head (Cousin) on: May 11, 2020
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Shane and Nicole, it was such a pleasure to have worked with your mom at Husky. She would make the good days better, and the better days the best. Through her I met you guys and Al, great family. From my family to yours, our thoughts and prayers are with you. André, Karen, Carter, and Lance Trudel. - Posted by: André Trudel (Family-friend/co-worker) on: May 09, 2020
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Nicole, I'm so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed seeing your Mom; she was a lot of fun and had a great sense of humour. Plus, she loved dogs! She was so proud of you - not just agility - but life in general. Pierre and I were so happy we were able to visit with her on Christmas Eve. Sending you love and hugs. - Posted by: Laurie Keith & Pierre Lalonde (Friends of Nicole Langdale) on: May 09, 2020
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Ken Britton told me about this and I'm sad to hear of it. Although I had not seen her since 1948, the 3 of us were classmates when I was at Chapman School in grades 1-4 and I always remembered Gail as a good friend at that time, a really nice and cute kid! PS: She would have known me as "Jamie". - Posted by: Jim Arnett (schoolmate) on: May 09, 2020