February 22, 1937 - November 7, 2021
In Loving Memory ~
On November 7, 2021, Arlene Beverley Gaal passed away at Sun Pointe Village in Kelowna, BC, at the age of 84. Arlene was born in the coal mining town of Michel, BC in 1937, moved to Kelowna in 1968 with her husband Joe and their three children.
She was an elementary school teacher for many years before starting her writing career. Arlene also created and ran a local Rutland newspaper, taught creative writing, and served as President of the Okanagan Author's association. Arlene had a column with the Kelowna Daily Courier and also became a published author, writing books on the Ogopogo and local BC history.
She was a consultant for many TV documentaries as an expert on the history of the Ogopogo. Arlene also appeared in several TV shows such as Front Page Challenge, Unsolved Mysteries, and Destination Truth to name a few.
She was predeceased by her parents Alexander and Margaret Walker; her husband Joseph Gaal; her son Joey, who died in Thailand in 1989; and her brother-in-law James Johnston. She is survived by son David and his wife Miyuki who live in Saiki City, Japan; her daughter Laurie; and grandsons Jordan, Colton and Joshua (Breanna); as well as her sister Bernice; brother Ken (Elynda); and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Sun Pointe Village and a special thank-you to the compassionate staff on the Reid's Corner unit for the care that you showed Arlene.
No funeral service, at her request; a small family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
Springfield Funeral Home