Obituary of Gail Eklund

Diana Gail Thomson was born on April 2, 1945 to Mildred and Allen Thomson. Gail had two older siblings, Joyce and Wayne and one little brother Dale. She attended Varsity, McCord, Glentworth and Luther in Regina for her schooling. She came back to graduate from Glentworth. That may have been influenced by a certain fella. Gail and Douglas Hoffman Eklund were married on November 16, 1963 in the McCord United Church. They were blessed with four children. Joanne, Daryl, Tracy and Lee. Gail and Doug farmed and ranched in the Horse Creek district. When the kids were all grown, they started a new adventure custom combining with Floyd and Joanne Petersen from 1994-2004. They had so much fun on the road they decided to start long-haul cattle hauling. Gail got her Class 1-A to help with the driving. They hauled cattle until 2007. Gail also worked part-time at the Glentworth bowling alley.

Gail had lung problems for a long time, suffering from bronchitis. About twenty years ago she made the decision to have quality of life and started taking the steroid prednisone. She and Doug understood the long-term consequences. But because of medication, Gail was able to participate fully in life enjoying her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Gail and Doug travelled, went to concerts and lived life. Sadly, Gail endured Dementia, an ugly, horrible disease that affects the body as well as the mind and can become as painful as bone cancer. It robs a person and their family of so much. Our family learned to live in the moment with Mom and for that we are grateful.

Gail passed away at her home on November 5, 2021 at the age of 76, eleven days short of her and Doug’s 58th wedding anniversary. Gail was able to spend her last days with her family. Our family would like to say a special thank you to Raelynn Nicholson and Janice Cayer, you aretruly nurses with angel wings. To Aunt Joyce and Uncle Vaughn there are no words to express the gratitude we feel for all the help you have given us over the last couple of weeks. It was not easy to watch your sister on her last journey but like a rock you were there. Thank you.

Gail is survived by her loving husband of 57 years Doug Eklund; daughter Joanne (Floyd) Petersen, grandson Caleb (Sydney) Petersen, great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Colt, granddaughter Cresenthia (Carson) Bender, great-grandchildren Walker, Macy, Reid, Hazel, grandson Lindsey Petersen (Mike Armstrong), granddaughter Danielle Petersen; son Daryl (Kathy) Eklund, granddaughter Daphene Eklund, grandson Ty Eklund, grandson Trae Eklund; daughter Tracy Eklund (Curtis Schenk), grandson Jacob Laboccetta (Cassandra Serbu), granddaughter Rayne Laboccetta grandson Saber Laboccetta, step-grandson Ryan Schenk, step-grandson Nicholas Schenk; son Lee (Peggy Bokor) Eklund; sister Joyce (Vaughn) Hiltz; brother Dale (Sabah) Thomson; sisters-in-law Fay Mastad and Mearl Eklund. Predeceased by her parents Allen and Mildred (Munford) Thomson brother Wayne (John) Thomson; in-laws Theresa and Raymond Eklund; sister-in-law Geraldine Munn; brothers-in-law Bud Eklund, Glenn Eklund and Melvin Mastad. A Celebration of Gail’s Life was held on November 12, 2021, 2:00 p.m. at the McCord United Church, McCord, Saskatchewan with Reverend Janelle Shaw officiating. Special Music was sung by Clint and Dawn Mitchell. Eulogist was Joanne Petersen. Urn Bearer was Cresenthia Bender. Special Memories were given by Gail’s Grandchildren. Picture Tribute was shared by Tracey Eklund. Memorial Donations in Gail’s memory to the McCord United Church, Box 57 McCord, SK, S0H 2T0 were greatly appreciated. 

Special thanks to Reverend Janelle Shaw for the service, Clint and Dawn Mitchell for singing and the memories, McCord Hall and community for the great lunch and use of the hall, for all the beautiful flowers, the donations to McCord United Church in memory of Gail and the food brought to the house through this difficult time. A special thank you to Piche Hawkins Grondin Funeral Home and staff, your compassion and attention to detail was appreciated by the family.

                                  Doug Eklund and Family