GAIL MURDOCK

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gail Heather Murdock (née Williams), who died peacefully at home with family and friends by her side on July 7, 2025, at the age of 68.

Gail was born on July 25, 1956, in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where she was raised and completed her post-secondary education at Acadia University in 1977. Shortly after her graduation she relocated and made Northwestern Ontario her home until her retirement in 2016. A lifelong learner, she later earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy from the University of Toronto in 2010.

Gail found her calling and began her lifelong career in education at Confederation College's Sioux Lookout Campus in 1989. As a program coordinator, she co-developed and delivered the Ontario College Certificate: Aboriginal Transition. She went on to serve as Regional Manager of the Dryden and Sioux Lookout Campuses (2001-2005), Associate Dean of the Negahneewin College of Academic and Community Development (2005-2007), and Dean of Business, Hospitality, and Media Arts. In 2013, she was appointed Vice President Academic, a role she held until her retirement in 2016.

In recognition of her outstanding career and contributions in the education sector, Gail received the 2016 OCASA Doug Light Lifetime Achievement Award, honouring her leadership, dedication, and excellence in the Ontario college system.

Following a brief retirement, Gail relocated back to the east coast where she continued to consult on educational initiatives and collaborations across Ontario, culminating in her final role as the Director of Student Services at Toronto City College.

Throughout her career, Gail remained an advocate for distance education delivery, regional campus equity, alternative pathways, and Indigenous education. She will be remembered fondly as a strategic thinker, a true innovator and an unwavering champion of student success.

When Gail wasn't busy making the world a better place, she found joy in spending time outdoors and on the water. Gail was an avid angler, animal lover, gourmet cook, gardener, and hunter. She found her greatest joy in the countless road trips she took with her husband Stewart by her side. Gail was also a great listener and a loyal friend. She was best known for her easy laugh, intelligence, sharp wit, sense of humour, and love of a good prank.

Gail is survived by her loving husband Stewart Murdock; sisters-in-law Anne Bobson (Craig) and Valerie Williams. Also left to mourn are her nieces and nephew, cousins, and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Ron and Shirley Williams, her in-laws Jack and Jean Murdock, brother Brian Williams, and her cherished son Harrison, as well as her special four-legged companions: Blanche, Reggie, Kelly, Julio, and Auggie.

Gail will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Stewart would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to the countless health care professionals who enabled and supported Gail to go on and live a full life long past their expectations.

As per Gail's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service.

Should friends so desire, donations to honour her memory may be made to a scholarship fund set up in her name at Confederation College. Donations can be made online, by phone (807) 475-6201 or by check to Confederation College, c/o advancement.

All are invited to attend a drop-in gathering to celebrate Gail at the Madhouse (295 Bay Street) on Friday, August 1st beginning at 2 p.m.

Love's a gift that's truly handmade (Jerry Jeff Walker)