May 8, 2017

John Gale of Stokes Seeds dies at age 82

John F. Gale passed away on April 23, 2017, at the age of 82 years after a five-year battle with cancer.

His absence will be felt by his wife of 64 years Donna (nee MacQuillen). Father to his sons Wayne (Isabel), David (Katrina) and daughter Sandra (Jeff Shennan). Grandfather to Peter (Jessica), Christina (Dave) Gaston and to his first great grandchild Amelia Gaston. Survived by his brother in law Douglas MacQuillen as well as step siblings Joan Biggar and Ross Gale.

Gale will be fondly missed by many family members and the staff of Stokes Seeds both past and present over the span of 60 years, a company statement read. Predeceased by his father W. Harry (Alma) Gale; stepmother Anne, and step-sister Mary Anne Robins.

Gale was the principal owner of Stokes Seeds until 2012. He started working for his father in the company at the age of 18 and continued working until shortly before his death. He was the primary author of the company’s catalog for more than 50 years.

His love of country music brought him much joy and many friends, according to Stokes Seeds. Gale started his morning with watering his home garden by hand when most are having a coffee. He introduced all three of his children and their childhood friends to the beauty and serenity of canoeing and portaging in several areas of Algonquin Park.

He enjoyed a high level of independence until his last six weeks thanks not only to his ferocious will to survive and dedication to understand and question the disease itself, but to his respected oncologist Dr. Yeminchelli.

Memorial donations may be made to Walker Cancer Centre or Rankin Cancer Run in John’s honor.