It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gail Macooh at the Central Peace Health Complex in Spirit River, AB, on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the age of 82.

Gail was born the third child and only daughter of Bill and Amy on the SE Quarter of 5-34-29 near Benito, MB, in her parents' bedroom. Being the braver of the two, Gail was born 10 minutes before her twin brother to "check out the surroundings," a topic that was debated their entire lives! The doctor arrived minutes after the twins' birth, only to quip, "I knew you were too stubborn to wait!"

Gail's most important job was her family. With Dad being a travelling salesman, he was away often. She raised three kids, managed the household, and made numerous friends during their moves from Swan River, Regina, Watson, Grimshaw, and finally Spirit River, where they opened Macooh Implements. She took on the new challenge of bookkeeping, eventually opening and managing Peace Country Farm Parts until retirement.

They were a social couple, involved in the various communities in which they lived. Volunteer work, sporting activities with the kids, travelling with the fastball team, curling, and golf kept them busy. They travelled many a mile for bonspiels in the winter and with various RVs for fastball and golf tournaments in the summer. She was always the gal sitting under the table (where it was safe), keeping rhythm on the bongos during various house parties. In quieter moments, Gail was an avid reader, enjoyed watching curling on television, and was a devoted Toronto Blue Jays fan, rarely missing a chance to cheer them on.

Those interests shifted once the grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived. She loved cheering on her granddaughters at volleyball games and, after Dad passed, spent the winter months in Drumheller with her daughter and family. She enjoyed special events, such as dance recitals, for her great-granddaughters and many afternoons spent with her great-grandsons. She was extremely proud of the many accomplishments of her entire family.

Gail is survived by her daughter Cheryl (Barry), son Doug (Kim), and son Greg (Carla); grandchildren Casey (Nathan), Meagan (Shane), Tori, and Kara (Darryl); great-grandchildren Rhett, Westen, Elicia (Jonathan), Kali, and Danika; great-great-granddaughters Sophie and Josie; as well as sister-in-law Connie Finlay and numerous nieces, nephews, & friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Metro Macooh; parents Bill and Amy Finlay; brother Lyle (Doreen); brother Larry; twin brother Garry (Carol); and her very close friend of many years, Eileen Lindsay.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Eva Kitigawa and the wonderful nursing staff at the Central Peace Health Complex, notably Lulu, Neenu, Laryn, Zoya, and Rhonda. In addition, thank you to Diane and her staff at Pleasant View Lodge for making Gail’s short stay there a very happy one!

In her last selfless act, her body will be donated to the Division of Anatomy at the University of Alberta for anatomical studies and research.

As per her wishes, a memorial service will not be held. A private family gathering will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation (https://www.heartandstroke.ca/donations) or the Kidney Foundation of Canada (https://kidney.akaraisin.com/ui/generaldonation/donations/start).