Obituary of Linda “Gael” BLACKHALL

April 27, 1955 – Montreal, Quebec
August 7, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Gael Blackhall of Calgary, AB, passed away on August 7, 2020 at the age of 65 years after a courageous journey with cancer.

Born in Montreal, Gael moved with her parents “Beth” and Jim to Calgary (1963) where she graduated from Henry Wise Wood High School in 1973. She pursued further education, earning her B.A. (with distinction) from Queen’s University followed by Graduate Studies in Library Science, taking some courses from The International Graduate Summer School in Librarianship and Information Sciences (Aberystwyth, Wales) ultimately graduating from the University of B.C. with her Masters in Library Science in 1979. She excelled in her academics and was honoured throughout her schooling with various scholarships and commendations.

Gael began her Library Career as a Children’s Librarian at Vancouver Public Library in 1979 and assumed other positions in both Outreach Services and the Sociology and Sports Division there until 1987 when she moved back to Calgary to work at the Calgary Public Library in various positions over the next 20 years. She began as an Assistant Manager in the Arts and Recreation Dept.  Subsequently she was responsible for creating CPL’s first Internet public website and trained the staff to deliver its many features to the Public.  Further, she customized 3 versions of the Library’s Catalog to enhance its convenience options for customers. She also ensured it was possible for users to read and respond to email, view web sites and create documents in over 50 languages making CPL the first public library in North America to do so. Using the Accessible Library Experience (ALEX) workstation, she ensured people with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities could access the Internet. Gael was all about improving access to the Library’s resources by whatever means possible.

After leaving CPL, she pivoted towards work with the Calgary Horticultural Society where she liaised with various Community Associations to facilitate their development of Community Gardens.  During her tenure, the number of gardens increased from a dozen or so to 130 on-going initiatives. This exceptional achievement happened at the same time Gael was facing the challenges of her initial cancer diagnosis. She was recognized for this community work by receiving the distinguished Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2014.

Many who knew Gael referred to her as a “Renaissance Woman” as her skills and interests were so many and varied. She was a musician, storyteller, web designer, gardener and often took courses ‘just because’ something intrigued her, making pottery, animation, voice-over techniques, starting your own business etc. She was an active volunteer with several Arts Organizations (Alta. Playwrights’ Network, Alta. Foundation for the Arts, Honens International Piano Competition, Vancouver Storytelling Circle, Expo ’86 Royal Thai Ballet Host, and others).  She also sang in choirs, rang “Hand Bells”, and attended many plays and film/music festivals.  In addition, with her life-long love of children, it was a natural choice to volunteer with The Children’s Cottage at Brenda’s House. Gael was a very generous person and did not hesitate to help people in need.

She loved animals particularly cats, because like them, she was ever curious.  But most of all, she loved her Mom who predeceased her, her Dad (91) who continued to visit her regularly throughout her illness and her many, many friends from a wide variety of ‘Communities of Connection”.  Several of those friends became a Care-Circle for her and in the end, were providing her 24/7 care on a rotating basis in her home.  “Team Gael” as she affectionately called them, had all been touched significantly at some point by Gael’s numerous, thoughtful kindnesses.  All Team Members very willingly offered Gael support during the last months of her illness.

There is a saying that “The highest form of wisdom is Kindness” and Gael was ‘Kindness-Personified’ to friends, and strangers alike.

“When you were born you cried and the world rejoiced.

  Live your life so that when you die the world cries and you rejoice.”

 - Navajo Prayer-

 It’s your time now to “Soar” dear Gael!

Gael wished to thank the many doctors, nurses and others who cared for her throughout her illness, especially Dr. Rajamannar Ramasubba.  Her last words as EMS paramedics prepared to take her to the Rocky View Hospital on Aug. 6, were to her beloved “Team Gael”.   She gently waved and mouthed the words “Thanks you guys!”  Gael always was  grateful and did mot miss an opportunity to let people know.

There will be no funeral service but, at a date yet to be determined, there will be a Celebration of Gael’s Life.  Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.  As an expression of sympathy, contributions to any of the following groups would be much appreciated: The Children’s Cottage, The Calgary Zoo, the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the Calgary Horticultural Society or any other appropriate group of your choice.

In living memory of Gael Blackhall, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200