Gail Arlene Metcalf, 61

Gail Arlene Metcalf was a Renaissance woman with the soul of a pioneer homesteader. She loved the grain elevator and pioneer homestead landscapes of Eastern Montana, and she loved the forest, farm and mountain landscapes of Western Montana.

Gail was born in Kalispell and raised in a rural house on a bend on Helena Flats Road. She attended Helena Flats School and retained a love for that area. She spent many hours with her endearing Grandmother Metcalf, who lived just down the road and taught her to knit and sew. She graduated from Flathead High.

Gail became a masterful seamstress, knitter and leather worker. She also became a masterful gardener, designing her yard on Second Avenue West with beautiful flowers, grasses and shrubs, always with surprise pops of unusual and unexpected plantings, a peaceful patio and an abundant vegetable garden.

She worked hard all her life, as a rancher, a heavy machinery operator and travel agent. This latter work enabled her to travel globally. Most recently Gail worked at MountainWest Bank where her co-workers provided extraordinary support throughout her illness.

Gail was proud of her Flathead Valley family history which was rich with loggers and farmers. She had a special place in her heart for her sister, Sharon, and Sharon’s sons, Kevin and Daren and their families, and for her Dad, Tim.

Sharon and Tim predeceased Gail.

In recent years, Gail gave devoted care and attention to the needs of her mom, Fern.  

Gail loved her entertaining cat, Mango, her sister’s children and their families, the earth, healthy food, exercise, (especially yoga, kayaking, hiking, biking and cross country skiing), and her wide circle of friends, whose friendships she nurtured. She was a fervent environmentalist, and loved to think and talk about the “big questions” of life.  

Gail applied herself valiantly to the process and promise of fighting cancer, and died much too young. Her advice was “Live in the moment.” She died at home, surrounded by friends, on Dec. 21, 2015, a week after her 61st birthday, early on a winter solstice morning, in the midst of a snow squall.      

Friends are invited to remember this independent, hard-working, energetic, capable, steadfast and loving woman. A celebration will take place at 2 p.m. on Oct. 1, at the Eastside Grange Hall, Montana 35, Creston. Stories are welcome.      

In addition to her mother, Fern, Gail leaves a brother, Ron, her nephews, several cousins, and many close friends, including her hiking friends, knitting friends, Summit Club friends and Seattle friends.

“Hike on, Gail!”