QCYC Member, Sailor and Friend

 Gayle's popularity in her business and private life, as well as among those of us at the Club, was reflected in the huge turnout for her funeral August 20, at the Church of The Redeemer, Avenue Road.

Obituary

Suddenly on Sunday, August 15, 1999, in her 48th. year, Gayle Kay died while relaxing with husband Carl and friends in the lagoon on the Leslie Street spit on her 24th. anniversary.

Gayle loved life and much of her enjoyment came from sailing. She loved being on the water, hanging out at the Club, being on Brandy and being with Carl.

Gayle was as happy leading a rave on the dance floor, as she was reading a book in the cockpit. She was always a generous host and had a most wonderful sense of humour. Her wry comments, with a twinkle in her eye, seemed to sum up many a situation in a way that brought instant laughter to all concerned.

Gayle was always ready with a smile that brought light to wherever she was. Even on days when you might be feeling a bit rocky Gayle's greeting as you passed by Brandy always gave a lift to the start of your day. She was generous with her time, her thoughts for others and her willingness to help out with whatever was needed - whether pitching in at a Club work party or pig roast.

All at Queen City will miss her - her humour, her friendship, her vibrant spirit, her throaty hearty laugh - her passion for life and those she loved.
Following her funeral, a wake was held at the Club attended by a very large number of Club members, family, friends and members of other yacht clubs both Canadian and American.
Doug Miller has sponsored a memorial cup in the name of Gayle Kay for achievement in the Junior Club.

Our deepest sympathies are extended to Carl.

This obituary adapted from JC's Eulogy delivered at Gayle's funeral.

Eulogies

By Sierra, Carl's niece
They say life goes on.
Just give yourself time
to mourn, and accept, and to heal.

Though none of that
offers much comfort right now
with the sorrow and loss
you must feel

But there, in your heart
where you miss her the most
where friendship and love never cease,
Somehow you know

that she'd want nothing more
than to see you find
comfort and peace.
From your friends on the lake.

Gayle loved life and much of her enjoyment came from sailing. She loved being on the water; hanging out at the club; being on Brandy; being with Carl. She was a gutsy sailor. When the wind blew and the boat accelerated and heeled over she sat back, totally relaxed, enjoying the moment, when many others would have been gripping the life lines, white knuckled, and maybe a touch green at the gills.
Gayle was as happy leading a rave on the dance floor, as she was reading a book in the cockpit. She was always a generous host. You couldn't pass the boat without an offer to come on board for a visit and a cup of coffee; at any time of the day or night.
Gayle had a most wonderful sense of humour and her wry comments, made with such a twinkle in her eye, seemed to sum up many a situation in a way that brought instant laughter to all concerned.

Gayle was generous - - with her time, her thoughts for others and her willingness to help out with whatever was needed. Whether pitching in at a Club work party or typing the entire text of The Club's Newsletter with blazing speed and flawless accuracy - - never once complaining about having to translate much of the stuff from scraps of paper covered with the often illegible scrawls of the board members.

Gayle was always ready with a smile that seemed to bring light to wherever she was. Even on days when you might be feeling a bit rocky. Gayle's greeting as you passed by always gave a lift to the start of your day.

We will miss her her humour, her friendship, her vibrant spirit, her throaty hearty laugh her passion for life and those she loved.

Sailing events on either shore will never quite be the same without her. She was a shining star in all our lives . A star that has not gone out .. but rather is just shining in another place.