We are deeply saddened to announce that Gailya Wasylik (Grimolfson), passed away Monday. June 28, 2021 in Red Deer, Alberta surrounded by her loved ones peacefully in her sleep as she succumbed to a short battle with cancer. Gailya She was extremely well looked after until the very end of her life.
Gailya was born in Gimli, Manitoba to Ruby and Skapti Grimolfson. She lived near there on Hecla Island until she was seven when their family decided to relocate to Prince Rupert, B.C. There, Gailya spent her youth playing sports and enjoying time with her siblings and her extended family. She excelled in swimming, basketball and track and field throughout her school years. She also had an affinity for art, singing, and dancing. Like her mother she loved playing the piano. She went to UBC in 1960 where she met her husband Ed in the PE program. Once they completed their studies the path to their teaching careers led them to Port Alberni, and Prince Rupert, until they finally settled in Kamloops, B.C.
In 1965 while living in Prince Rupert they were blessed with their first-born daughter Lisa. In 1967, one week before they made their permanent family home in Kamloops (Westsyde), they had their second daughter Denise while visiting Ed’s family in Powell River. Six years later, they chose to expand the family and they had their two boys Brett (1973) and Darin (1974).
Gailya was an amazing wife and mother. At their Westsyde home, where they spent an amazing 52 years, and through the open door/pool policy, she nurtured and spoiled her own kids and many neighborhood families. She still found time to do the many things she enjoyed. She loved to cook and feed everyone and was in her glory when a large group of unexpected family or friends dropped by. She spent her time curling, playing cards/games with her friends, doing crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, golfing, knitting, sewing, and swimming in their pool. She was very social and never far away from a good gathering where her ‘ol cedar’ broom might make an appearance.
She worked several different jobs such as substitute teaching, owning her own T-shirt store, managing the Westsyder Pub, and retired after working at The Superstore. She was an active volunteer and proud member of the Kamloops community. She was a member of the Royal Purple and the two curling clubs in Kamloops, where she coached camps, and some highly successful youth curlers. In 1998, she served as the President of the Downtown Curling Club, which hosted the World Curling Championships.
Gailya had an outgoing personality and truly impacted the lives of those around her. Her positive outlook, kindness, and constant smile was contagious. Everyone who met Gailya would agree that they were in some way influenced by her many attributes. She will be missed more than words can express. She was taken too early and too suddenly, she truly set the mark as a mother, wife, sister, friend, and family member and she will never, ever be forgotten and will always be in our hearts.
Gailya is survived by a long list of family members including her loving husband of 56 years Ed Wasylik, her beloved children Lisa Frew (Alan), Denise (Tom), Brett and Darin (Jessica) Wasylik; her grandchildren Brandon Frew (Jessie) and Hailey (Derek) Ryckman, Ruby and Ari Wasylik; great grandchildren Blayke and Hudson Ryckman; and her loving sister Judy (Paul) Fraser and many nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her mother and father Ruby and Skapti (Scotty) Grimolfson; her sister and brother Gladys and Gary Grimolfson; her nephew Rick Hebb; and many of her dear friends
Until we see you again in the next life Gailya, rest peacefully. We love you!
Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. If desired, Memorial Donations in Gailya’s honor may be made directly to the Cancer Research Society, help find the cure at www.curefoundation.com Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements in care of:

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer),

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER.

• Date : 2021-07-15
• Location : www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com