Obituary of Gail Ellen SIMPER

July 3, 1944 – Halifax, Nova Scotia
November 9, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

Our family regrets to announce the sudden passing of Gail Simper on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the age of 75 years.

Born in Halifax, she was a proud Albertan, living her early teens in Lethbridge and residing in Calgary since 1961. Gail was proud that she was the second female to ascend the Calgary Tower at its topping off in 1968. She started her thirty year working career with the Canadian Paraplegic Association then spent years in the resource industry with MI/Swako in various senior administrative positions. Gail was a tireless volunteer for the Bankview Community Association. Her service was recognized in June 2018 with the presentation of the Community Advocate Award for the City of Calgary. Gail was an avid Calgarian and proud of all things Calgary. The Stampede, Stampeders and Flames irrespective of how the teams fared from year to year.

Gail is survived by her spouse Graham Doyle and his children, Marta Prentice (Cory), Shane Doyle (Michelle) and sons, Brendon and Kristopher, Darren Doyle, son-in-law, Sheldon Blackwood and his children, Hannah and Sarah. She is also survived by her sister, Lark McInnis (Alex) and their children Meaghan Mang (Tim) and their children Benjamin and Daniel of Calgary and nephew Taylor McInnis (Laura) of Los Angeles, Calif. Also surviving Gail, is her father’s wife, Sylvia Simper.

Gail was predeceased by her parents Harry in 2012 and Irene Simper in 1978 and Graham’s daughter and wonderful friend Shannon Doyle (Sheldon) in 2018.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

A Celebration of Gail’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB  T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Gail Simper.  McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.