Gay Desireau passed away August 23, 2014. Left to mourn her passing is her husband of 60 years Deane and her four children Deanna (Garth) Jackson, Janis (Bob) Semenoff, Sandra (Larry) Peatt and Ted (Anna) Desireau. In addition her five cherished grandchildren: Natasha (Christopher) Haubrich, Carly (Nathaniel) Sharpe, Nadeane Jackson, Casey Semenoff and Taylor Jackson. And two great grandchildren Beatrice Winter Sharpe and Eloise Haubrich. She was particularly fond of her three son-in-laws and told them numerous times to "go to your room" when they teased her. We will all remember her favourite saying "give me strength".
She was born in Coronation Alberta and moved to Kamloops in her teen years with her parents Ted and Helen (pre-deceased) and brothers Glen (Ruth) Ross (Arlene) Mac (Louise) Jardine. During her schooling at St. Ann's academy was proud of her typing trophy she won. Mom then went on to graduate from Kamloops Senior Secondary. From 1960 until 1970 along with our dad they built and ran Balmoral Store just outside Salmon Arm where she excelled in pumping gas and cleaning windshields. She was extremely fond of the many summers she spent at their cabin on Blind Bay with her family and friends.
She was one of the founding members of the Valleyview Figure Skating Club and volunteered on their executive for many years. Her other volunteer work included her yearly canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and organizing numerous "Don Busch" hockey schools. She enjoyed radish sandwiches shared with neighbours, gardening, and numerous cups of black coffee. Mom loved riding her bike on Valleyview Drive and always found the time to stop and chat with someone along the way. She was one of those rare people who loved her jobs and her favourite, by far, was her years working in the Drug & Stationary department of Woodward's. She enjoyed staying in touch with several of her Woodward’s buddies especially Joan Epp, Winnie Holomay and Margo Woloski. One of her greatest heroes was Terry Fox, she was also a passionate Vancouver Canucks fan who felt that every year would be "the year".
She spent the final two years residing at the Kamloops Seniors Village.
Gail Johnson
Gail Hendry Gail is also in the class of 1950
