John Gale

1934 - 2017

Gale, John F. - Passed away on April 23, 2017 at the age of 82 years after a 5 year battle with cancer. John did not allow this challenge to change his daily routine. His absence will be felt by his loving 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 John’s step siblings Joan Biggar and Ross 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. Predeceased by his father W. Harry (Alma) Gale; stepmother Anne, and step-sister Mary Anne Robins.

John 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. Widely respected throughout North America for his knowledge of the vegetable and flower seed industry, he was the primary author of the company’s catalog for more than fifty years. His love of country music brought him much joy and many friends. John started his morning with watering his home garden by hand when most are having a coffee. He introduced all 3 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 6 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.