Gail Eileen Whetter

WHETTER, Gail Eileen (nee Robinson) – Passed away peacefully at the Chilliwack General Hospital on September 9, 2026 at the age of 82 years. Gail, originally of Britannia Beach, BC is the beloved wife of Alan Whetter. Together for 60 years of marriage, she will be profoundly missed by Al. Cherished and adored mother of Christine Whetter (Joanne) and Rob Whetter (Jordana). Loving grandmother of Maddie, Olivia, Cole, Reid, and Eva. Dear sister of Sue Damm. Predeceased by parents Margaret (nee Brooke) and George Robinson.

While she was dying, her love for her family was always in the foreground. About her husband Al, she said, “I love you as much as a person can love another person.” She adored and was so proud of her children and grandchildren. She always said how lucky she was and what an amazing and charmed life she had led. Much of that came from how she saw the world – which was glass is not only full but almost overflowing. Even on a grey and rainy day, she would find the tiniest spec of blue and say, “Look, it’s clearing up!!”

In her own words, Gail said, “From my Dad I got unconditional love and from my Mom, I got ambition.” Gail came from a long line of “alpha females” – strong, independent women dating back to her great-grandmother who was a publisher in Montreal in the 1800’s.

Gail loved her childhood in Britannia Beach, growing up in this active mining community before a road there existed. She and her sister, Sue, played freely from dawn to dusk, danced, swam, and stuffed themselves with huckleberries. At 16 she started her degree at UBC, and joined the Varsity Outdoor Club (VOC), where she met Al. VOC was formative in her life. In the 1960’s they were doing multi-day trips - backcountry skiing and alpine touring. As a biology teacher and natural explorer, her love of the outdoors continued for her lifetime.

Gail and Al settled in Chilliwack in 1970 after they had both completed their schooling. In 1975, with Christine and Rob (ages 5 and 3), they went on a trip around the world for a year visiting dozens of countries on 5 continents. But Chilliwack would remain home, where they built a community of amazing friends, colleagues, and quilters. While raising kids and working part-time, Gail returned to school and got her Master’s Degree in Counselling. This was her true career calling. She loved working with kids and felt she made a difference in these children’s lives.

Gail’s life was filled with spending time with her family, traveling, playing cards, especially Bridge (or any game), Days for Girls, hiking, gardening, and her great love: quilting.

Gail was smart and really funny. Her friends loved that “she called a spade a spade and didn’t really care what other people thought.” She was an optimist, but not a Pollyanna – she had a quick mind, was brave, witty, and tough as nails. She will be dearly missed by so many friends.

When asked about her life philosophy, Gail said:

· If you can help somebody, you should

· Fight hard for the things that you believe in

· Concentrate on the positive

· Don’t worry about what other people think

Gail was herself right until the end. One of her final thoughts on death was, “I’m kind of looking forward to this,” and with a gleam in her mischievous eyes she said, “I’ve never done this before, so I’m curious.”

We would like to thank Dr. Kurt Leffers and Dr. Paul Basson, Mom’s friends, and the extraordinary team of nurses and staff at the Chilliwack General Hospital.

Per Gail’s wishes, we will be having a private family celebration and journey with her ashes next Spring. Donations in Gail’s name to Days for Girls, or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.

Mom, thank you for your love and humour and unending support of us. Your legacy lives on in your two children, your five grandchildren, your hundreds of quilts, and the millions of memories of all who knew and loved you. You will be forever in our hearts.

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