Gail Parker (Short)

With heavy hearts, the family of Gail Parker (Short) announces her peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones on Friday, August 31, 2018 at the age of 59.

Gail is survived by her husband, Perry Parker; daughters, Melissa (Chad) Miller, Myranda Norem, step-daughters, Trish (Mike) Snell, Brandi (Scott) MacDonald and  step-son, Shane Parker; grandchildren, Brayden and Saydee, Caelen and Lochlan and Brianna and Savannah; her mother, Joyce Short; mother-in-law, Trudy Parker; sister, Marlene Curtis (Merv); brother, Gary Short (Bonnie); sister-in-law, Terry (Mike) Paull; brother-in-law, Rick Parker; nieces and nephews, Jena Short, Michael (Kim) Short, Brian (Kristy) Short, Ashten Curtis and Jay Curtis; great-nephews and nieces, Hannah, Lucas, William, and Hunter; cousins Bonnie Lou (Kevin) Walker, Dixie McCullough, and the rest of the McCullough family; special friends Wayne and Theresa Kinzel (May, Angela and Mandy); and many other friends and extended family. 

Gail was predeceased by her father, William Short; father-in-law, Don Parker; grandparents Lester and Sadie Barr; aunt Shirley Patterson; great-aunt, Irene McCullough; and cousin, Donna May Patterson.

Gail was born on December 22, 1958 and lived most of her life in Red Deer but held a special place in her heart for the Gimlet community where she lived from 1981 -1992. Gail touched many people in her life and will be remembered for her selflessness and the love she gave freely to those around her.

Gail met the love of her life, Perry Parker in 2005 and they spent several wonderful years together. They were married in a private ceremony in Niagara Falls while on a cross Canada tour they took in 2016.

Gail was a dedicated mother who spent many summers camping, spending time with her parents and following her girls around the province to watch them in activities and rodeos. Her daughters and friends lovingly referred to her motorhome as the ‘food wagon’ as she was always sure to bring enough food to cook for everyone around.

Gail fiercely loved her grandchildren who she spent much of her time with on their visits to her home and following them around to their various sports and activities. Gail became an avid hockey fan after her first grandson Brayden began playing hockey. She travelled near and far to watch him play and rarely missed a game.

Gail fought her illness with the same grit and grace in which she lived her life. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her family and friends who are eternally grateful for the time they had with her.

At Gail’s request there will be no funeral service.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 Arnot Ave, Red Deer, AB T4R 3S6 or the charity of choice in Gail’s memory.