Gail Campbell Golding

Gail Campbell Golding - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gail Campbell Golding of Halifax, NS, on Thursday October 17, 2024 at home with family by her side.

Gail is survived by Allan, cherished husband of 58 years; children Allan (Andrea) and Lena (Kit); and grandchildren Kathleen, Molly, Alex, Sally, Luke, and Hope, all of whom she delighted in and loved deeply. She is also survived by her beloved younger brother Blair (Jennifer).

Gail was born on March 7, 1940, to Helen Madeline (Robinson) and Reginald Layton Campbell in Arthurette, New Brunswick. Gail began her academic career in a one-room schoolhouse with only six other pupils in her Grade One class. She was the first in the family to attend university and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Mount Allison University in 1962. Gail firmly believed in the value of education and instilled this value in her children. Gail went on to complete further degrees: Master of Education (Dalhousie University, 1978), and Master of Divinity (Atlantic School of Theology, 1986). Demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning, Gail continued to study and attend courses to the age of 84.

Gail had a strong spirituality and interest in theology. She became an Ordained Diaconal Minister with the United Church in 1991 and became Pastor for Cunard United Church in 1992. Gail felt a calling to pastoral care and was a United Church Chaplain for nearly ten years visiting patients in the QEII Halifax Infirmary and continued in overseeing pastoral visitation long after retirement. Gail was active in many social justice issues in her community and worked toward ending domestic violence.

Having grown up on a potato farm in northern New Brunswick, Gail never lost her connection to the land and felt strongly about our duty to protect it. It may also be why her potato salad was second-to-none. She loved flowers and had an affinity for gardening, cultivating stunning flower and fruit gardens both at home in Halifax and in the family field in PEI. Passersby would often stop to admire the colorful blooms in Gail’s front garden.

Gail led a life filled with kindness, empathy and the desire to better the world in which she lived. We miss her deeply.

A celebration of Gail’s life will be held at St John’s United Church (6025 Stanley St., Halifax) on Friday October 25 th at 2:00pm.
Those unable to attend may join us via: https://www.youtube.com/@stjohnsunitedhfx/streams

DONATIONS

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Gail’s memory may make a donation to St. John’s United Church.