Obituary of Gail Noreen Rickard
GAIL NOREEN RICKARD
We are sad to announce the death of Gail Noreen Rickard (nee Williams) who passed away on August 29, 2021 in her 76th year.
Gail died while on an annual fishing trip on the Dumoine River with her husband Donald, her sisters Joan and Ruth, and brother-in-law David. Although shocking for all, she was with people she loved while visiting one of her "happy places" that was the fishing camp founded in part by her grandfather. Gail brightened up the lives of so many people; it is difficult to find the words to capture how she touched so many people through her volunteer service and participation in numerous activities throughout the community.
Gail was born in Halifax in 1946 where her parents, Doug and Wilma, were stationed after her father's service in the war. She spent her younger years in Wheatley, ON., before her family moved to Mississauga for her father's job. After graduating high school, Gail went to the University of Guelph where she graduated with a degree in plant agriculture as a member of the class of OAC 1968. She met Donald Rickard while at school and they were married on October 19, 1968. They then moved back to Bowmanville as Don went to work on the family farm. Gail attended the Ontario Teachers College and went on to teach biology at Donovan High School in Oshawa before taking time off to raise her two children, Alan and Karen. She returned to teaching later at the Centre for Independent Studies helping adults to receive their high school certifications until her retirement.
Gail was extremely active in the community having had formal volunteer roles with the Oshawa YWCA, Community Care Durham, Newcastle United Church, Valleys 2000, Splash Committee, Clarington Library Board, and the Orono Fair Horticulture Committee amongst others. She was a passionate and engaged member of everything that she participated in. Those whom she worked with looked to her for her leadership, kindness, and her sense of fairness. In 2012 she was recognized for her extensive community service as the recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal.
After retiring from teaching, Gail picked up the French horn (which she had played in her high school band) and joined the Clarington Concert Band and later, the New Horizon's Band, both of which she received great joy from playing with. Gail was very social and an avid bridge player where she maintained wonderful relationships with friends across the community.
Gail will be greatly missed by her husband Donald who she was married to for almost 53 years and who shared many adventures of life and parenthood with. Family was very important to Gail and her passing will be sadly mourned by her sisters Joan Candy (Bill) and Ruth Lowe (David). She was a wonderful mother to Alan Rickard (Rochelle) and Karen (Jeff) and VERY loving grandmother to Alan and Rochelle's kids, Everett, Norah and Stevie to whom she had a very special bond.
Although we are saddened by this loss, we also are fortunate for the memories we carry with us. We miss you Purple Grandma.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday September 8th from 1 – 3 & 6 – 8 pm at The Garnet B. Rickard Complex 2440 Highway 2, West Entrance. Due to Covid restrictions only a certain number of people are allowed to enter the facility at a time, we appreciate your patience if it is necessary to wait. A Private Funeral will be held on Thursday September 9th at 2 pm at Newcastle United Church. This will be by invitation only; those wishing to view the service virtually, please follow the link provided below. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Newcastle United Church or Community Care Durham. Arrangements entrusted to NORTHCUTT ELLIOTT FUNERAL HOME, 53 Division St. N. Bowmanville.
