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GAIL ROBERTSON
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Gail Robertson, peacefully on February 6.
Gail is survived by her daughter Jennifer (Rob), son Spencer, sister Tannis, brother Micah (Kim), and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, husband and sister Linda.
Gail was born on August 5, 1947, in Winnipeg. She excelled at academics, achieving the University of Manitoba’s gold medal in general science in 1968 as well as a number of scholarships. She graduated with her PhD in Clinical Psychology at a time when it was unusual for women to graduate with an advanced degree. She had a long-established career as a forensic psychologist at the Health Sciences Centre including the publishing of several studies in her field. She provided assessments to the parole board, maintained a private practice, acted as a mentor to many students, and was generally considered a role model in the advancement of forensic psychology in Manitoba. In addition, she chaired several committees and taught as an Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba.
She loved her community and was one of Winnipeg’s strongest supporters. She loved Winnipeg's seasons (especially the cold!), its culture, restaurants, sports, and its close proximity to the family cottage. She gave to the community by volunteering, which included the Pan Am Games, the Sharon Home, and over 500 hours at the Human Rights Museum.
She had a passion for writing poetry and was an avid reader. Her true passion was her family and friends who were the center of her world. She was a source of strength and support for everyone around her and always had time to listen. She was a kind, compassionate and loving daughter, mother, sister, aunt and friend and she will remain in our hearts and thoughts eternally.
The family would like to thank all those involved in her care over the past several years. A special thank you to Jenn at The Courtyards Linden Pointe for giving so much time and energy to our mom, and to the Alzheimer Society for their support and guidance. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 17, 2024, Feb 17, 2024
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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I worked with Gail at Health Sciences Centre in the 1980s. She was wonderful. I am sorry to know she has passed - Posted by: Michael Kral (colleague) on: Dec 20, 2024
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Very saddened to hear of Gail's passing. We both worked at the Health Sciences Centre and had offices across the corridor. I only experience positives when I think of Gail and her gentle smile. My condolences to Gail's family and friends. - Posted by: Ivan Bilash (Colleague) on: Feb 27, 2024
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We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful person with a heart of gold who touched the lives of many. May you find strength and solace in the memories you shared together. We were so blessed in having a friendship with your mom and dad that lasted 50 years. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother. Ken Nancy Loepp. - Posted by: Ken Loepp (Friend) on: Feb 24, 2024
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I was so sad to learn of Gail’s passing. Gail joined our inaugural volunteer team at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in 2014 and volunteered over 700 hours of service over the years. She was such a positive, vivacious and caring individual who would go out of her way to make everyone feel welcomed and valued. She always had a kind word and what a lovely smile! She loved volunteering with school programming, at coat check or at the welcome desk chatting with visitors from near and far. She was also a human rights upstander, concerned for folks that lived with mentally illness and the inequalities they experienced accessing support and services. She will be truly missed by her CMHR family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. - Posted by: Denise Bukowski (Manager, Volunteer Services - Canadian Museum for Human Rights ) on: Feb 20, 2024
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Gail is gone!! This is so, so sad! She was such a beautiful person, in many ways, emotionally, intellectually, socially, always there and always involved and always responsive. She made the world such a special place and made life so meaningful. She was so many things - dynamic, bright, fun, charming, spontaneous, talkative, intelligent, wise, aware, smart, knowledgeable, interesting, formal when necessary, proper when necessary, supportive, careful, caring, involved, and thoughtful. I am sure that I missed about 75 more adjectives, there are so many that fit Gail. My condolences go out to all in her family from someone who, at many times in our lives over many years, worked with her, visited with her, travelled with her, consulted with her, and shared her interest in the ups and downs of life, sports, and people. - Posted by: Bruce Hutchison (colleague and friend ) on: Feb 17, 2024
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I met Dr. Robinson about 22 years ago. Upon entering her practice at HSC I knew I had found the person that would help me get through difficult stages of my life. She would gently push the Kleenex box towards me. I would divulge my personal anguish and walk out of that hospital feeling as if any troubles had lifted from my shoulders. I remember the day she told me I didn’t need to come anymore and I almost thought I would miss her and I did. To see her passing today brought back feelings of calmness and assurance that she helped guide me forward with. It was just yesterday that I brought up her name. I am sending my condolences to her and her family and just know that to many she has been an angel on earth. - Posted by: Laurie Gydé (Patient) on: Feb 17, 2024
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Gail was one of the most generous people that I ever met. In 1968, we began the master's program at U of M together. I had little money. Every Friday, Gail would bring me home with her so that once a week I had an excellent meal surrounded by her very loving family. On a regular basis, she would lend me her prized red mustang to run errands. On a few occasions we even went away together to her cottage or as far away as North Dakota. We were lucky to stay in touch over the years. Gail definitely ran a good race and her family can take pride in a life well lived. - Posted by: Catherine Casserly (friend) on: Feb 17, 2024
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It breaks our hearts to write this note to Gail's family and loved ones. She was a bright light in our lives and so loved by us. We have so many fond memories of spending good times with Gail and John and our friends Ken and Nancy at lunches and dinners. Knowing that we will never see her face or hear her voice leaves a big hole in our hearts, but it gives us some comfort knowing she is no longer in pain and suffering. She is with Jesus and his angels and her loved ones who are no longer with us. Heaven has been blessed by another very special angel called Gail. She was an amazing mother to her children, Jennifer, Spencer and her son-in-law Rob, who she adored with all her heart. There is no greater love than the love of a mother for her children and they felt her love everyday. of their lives. Gail had a heart of gold and a helping hand to everyone who needed it. Even though we lost our very dear friend, her love will forever remain in our hearts. Saying goodbye would be the hardest thing to do, so this is not goodbye our dear sweet angel Gail as we will meet again some day. Rest in peace our precious little angel, gone but not forgotten. With love and Respect, Sylvia and Gordon Bowen. - Posted by: Sylvia and Gordon Bowen, (Long time friends of the family) on: Feb 17, 2024