Gayle Helen Johnson
September 14th, 2022
It is with great sadness that the family of Gayle Helen Johnson announce her passing on September 14, 2022 at the age of 79. She leaves to grieve her two daughters Carmen Johnson (Kathy Richlen-Tilden) and Jackie Hubick; her grandchildren Dustin Preece (Stephanie Ives), Tarrah Preece (Kirk Johns), Dallas Hubick and Tyrell Hubick; great-grandson Zavion Hubick (alias Buzz Lightyear); her brother Owen’s children nieces Patty Ciarniello (Robert), Shannon Tagseth and nephew Shawn Tagseth; as well as numerous nieces and nephews on the Johnson side of the family. She was predeceased by her husband Raymond Johnson and brother Owen Tagseth.
There were gale-like winds blowing at the Tagseth farmhouse on April 25, 1943 when our Mom was born. Mom’s spirit took its lead from the weather that day. Baby Gayle arrived and she was a force to contend with forever after. When she was a few months old it was realized that she had a congenital hip dislocation. She lived In Strasbourg, SK with Dr. Elden Hitsman and his wife for several months to receive the many cast changes she needed to correct her hip. They were so enamoured with her, they called their own daughter “Gayle”.
Gayle was a farm girl and attended Stony Croft School and later Sprayville School in Gibbs, SK. When she was 14, she “borrowed” her father’s brand new car and took a trip to Regina to buy a hamburger. When she was 15, she took a fancy for our Dad and relentlessly pursued him into marriage at age 17. She finished her Grade 11 school year, started farming and had her two daughters when she was 18 and 22 years of age. She peddled eggs, chickens and cream for grocery money, making the 50 mile trip to Regina every Friday. To reward herself, she would get her hair set in a stylish “Beehive” or go to Stampede Wrestling at the Exhibition Grounds. Once Jackie and I were old enough to make our school lunches, she ventured off to become one of the fastest mushroom pickers at the Prairie Mushroom Plant by Lumsden, SK and later worked as a teller at the Wecan Credit Union in Bulyea, SK. She moved to Regina to enhance her work skills and education. She was employed by the Sherwood Credit Union (later Conexus) and worked her way up from a teller position to the Executive Vice President of Human Resources. Mom was instrumental in introducing many programs to the workplace, including support programs such as the nationally recognized “Finding the Key”, a partnership between Conexus and First Nations to promote employment. She was nominated for the YWCA Woman of the Year award in 2012 for her work and later retired at age 67. She was an active volunteer in literacy programs and her church and even though she was busy, she wanted more challenges. She trained as a Commissionaire and worked at the RCMP Depot for 10 years, retiring in December 2021.
Mom loved coffee and loved people. In the early mornings before work, she would usually visit 3 different coffee shops just to see with whom she could visit. In earlier years, she hosted frequent gatherings at her farmhouses (the latter with a pool) and barbeques with musical entertainment at Cardinal Cove, their campsite getaway in Bulyea. She enjoyed travelling with a camper to the Norsk Hostfest in Minot, ND and her favorite spot, Clear Lake, MB. She loved to bake and cook. She made incredible bread, buns and the best prime rib around.
Mom loved, loved, loved to drive in new, fast cars and she contributed frequently to the RCMP and SGI coffers. She never ever did slow down. Her last ticket was August 15, 2022 clocked at 147 km in a 110 km/hr zone. Oh yes, she paid the fine.
A Celebration of Life for Gayle will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. in Bulyea Community Centre Hall, Bulyea, SK. Bring your stories to tell. If you do not want to tell the stories yourself, we will be happy to read them for you.
For those who would like to honor Gayle’s memory, donations to the Regina Food Bank or the SHA Regina Palliative Care program would be gratefully received.
Messages:
I knew Gayle from Sherwood credit union, she was such a beautiful kind lady. My sincere condolences to the family.
We first came to know Gayle through working in the Credit Union system but came to know her better when she moved into the condo building we live in. Always enjoyed visiting with her. Our sincerest condolences to her family.
Carmen and Jackie My deepest condolences on the loss of your mother ,she was a beautiful lady with a soul to match and a heart of gold ready to help any time. My prayers are with you and your families Kelly Yoner.
I was very sad to hear of Gayle's passing. I worked with her in our HR dept. for a few years and she was a wonderful woman and will be missed.
Gayle was my boss at Conexus for many years. We did so much good work together that we were proud of. She supported me, taught me so much and was very supportive of me and my well being. She was kind, generous and always looking for the best for you and your family. She touched so many. I sure missed her when she retired. My sincere condolences to Carmen and Jackie and the family. Gayle was so special and unwaveringly, her.
Condolences to Carmen Jackie and their entire families. We will miss Gayle’s positive and dynamic view of life. She was a very special lady and will be sorely missed
Carmen, Jackie and Families Our condolences for your loss. Someone once told me when my Mom died that there’s nobody like your Mom. How true! Your Mom had a special kind of energy that radiated out to those who she met. May your wonderful memories help you as you grieve her loss. Verne and Debbie Ries
Carman & Jackie. Was sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing! She was a cousin to my late husband Bill Yano. We always enjoyed your Mom’s company & zest for life! Always treasure your special memories! xyxzv2
We are so sorry to hear of Gayle’s and would like to pass on condolences to the family. I worked with Gayle for many years at Conexus (Sherwood) Credit Union and she was someone I really looked up to. She was a great mentor! Rest In Peace. Jody & Royce Snitzler
My sincere condolences to Gayle’s family. Gayle had such a zest for life and cherished her family and friends. She made an impact on so many who had the pleasure to know and work with her. I remember when she got her last new car. We had a chance to get together for coffee and she was having the time of her life driving it. When I asked her if she was going to slow down in this one she said “Hell no”. We had such a laugh over that and many other things. She will be missed. RIP Gayle.
So sorry to hear of Gayle’s passing…she was an incredible person, so full of life and laughter and brought so much joy to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Rest In Peace Gayle!
Carmen & Jackie, So sad to learn of Gayle’s passing. She was a wonderful person, fast driver and dear friend. We were hired at Sherwood on the same day and became fast friends. I had the good fortune to know her and Ray for many years, although I live several provinces away we stayed in touch over the years. May you find comfort in fond memories of your beautiful mother. Sharon Butterfield
Gayle and Jackie and families, I was so sad to hear about your mom's passing. She was such a nice lady and I was lucky to know her. Your write up about her was wonderful. It's amazing how much we don't know about someone until they pass away. Such great memories for you.
Carmen and Jackie our families have been friends our entire lives and have spent some really quality time together. Your mom was a gem among gems and she will be missed. I know she will live on through all of the stories and memories you will share in the years to come. The last speeding ticket I am sure will be one of the topics!!!
My love and sympathy. Having known mom and dad for so many years there are many special stories. My fondest have been our weekly texts after she received the church service every Sunday. God bless her memory ❤️❤️
First I’d like to extend my sympathy to her family at this sad time. I met Gayle in 1985 when she hired me to work for Sherwood Credit Union. She helped me throughout my career and I was a cheerleader for her and her accomplishments. I was honoured when she asked me to write a letter supporting her nomination for the woman of distinction award. In my heart she won that award. She helped and supported so many people above and beyond. I remember Gayle letting one woman employee stay with her when experiencing an abusive relationship. She helped many advance and I sent her roses when she attained executive management position. I am saddened by her passing. She has been on my mind the last few months to contact. She was a force and I know she will shake up the after life. She was an amazing individual and she showed her blessings freely.
I met Gayle when. I first moved to Regina to attend University. She helped me sort out my student loan funding and was not going to be deterred until someone provided all the answers and a date was given for the funds. She was determined to see things right and I was forever grateful. She amazed me in her quick memory recall and immediate affection. What a beautiful soul.
So sorry for your loss Carmen and Jackie. You wrote a beautiful summary of her life. She certainly never let anything hold her back from living life to the fullest. Hugs to all. Love and prayers, Raelene
Jackie and family; the strength you show obviously comes honestly. I’m sorry for your loss. My hope is that the lifetime of memories, reflected in that beautiful memorial, will strengthen you all.
The first time I met Gayle she was in internal audit at Sherwood. I benefited from her help many times over the years we worked together at Sherwood/Conexus. She always knew your family and talked of them by name. She was an amazing lady.
Jackie, Carmen, and families - your mother was a tour de force! She gave you so much, it will make the loss more bearable.
I had the pleasure of meeting Gayle this past summer. I wish I had met her sooner. She was one special person. My condolences to the family.
Sincere condolences Jackie & family. Your Mom sounded like a very special woman, take comfort in all your fond memories.
I first met Gayle in 1956 and she became my best friend for the next 66 years. She was the most thoughtfull Lady one could ever meet. She was a loving, generous just a wonderful person all the way. I miss my dear friend so very much, she will always remain in my heart. Condolences to all her family. You are missed by many people. Hugs.
My Family always appreciated the kindness that Galye and Ray showed them, in hosting Us at the Bulyea camp site and cabin! They were at all the boy's hockey games in which I enjoyed kibizing with Her and Ray about the hockey season!! Gayle will be missed by Family and Friends... Our prayers are with Jackie and Her Family!!
Such a beautiful soul. Condolences to all the family, and sorry I can't make it to Regina. God bless
So sad to hear of Gayle’s passing! She was such a kind and gentle lady, always so helpful and such a beautiful smile! I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with her while working at Sherwood Credit Union! She will be dearly missed! Elaine Blondeau
I was very sorry to hear of Gayle’s passing. We worked together at Sherwood Credit Union and spoke often as we separated yet remained within the cu system. She had a way of lighting up a room with her positive personality and sense of humour. She was a good friend and many will miss her. My deepest sympathies to her family.