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Gail Doyle Obituary
Gail Smallwood DOYLE Died peacefully with her family by her side on April 16, 2006 due to complications from lymphoma, which she courageously battled for 12 years. Gail, who was a captain with Alaska Airlines prior to her illness, was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico on Aug 12, 1949, graduated from Wellesley College and moved to Seattle in 1976 when she was hired as one of the first female airline pilots. Gail is survived by her husband of 29 years, Denny, sons, John and Nic, parents, William and Ines Smallwood of Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, sister, Diane Foster and brother-in-law, William Foster of Scarsdale, NY, brother-in-law, Larry Doyle and sister-in-law, Mary Lynn DeGrande of St. Louis and many dearly loved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Gail was a kind and passionate person who actively sought to help others in need and supported numerous charitable organizations. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. We love you and miss you Mom. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, April 20th, 11:00 a.m. in Issaquah at Flintoft's Funeral Home, 540 East Sunset Way.17 Entries
Debbie Beye
April 28, 2006
Denny and entire family of Gail. I was so sorry to hear about Gail's death. I am retired and just received the news.I loved seeing her smiling face when I flew with her. She was a breath of fresh air.Her kindness and gentle ways would always brighten anyones day. I send you my deepest sympathy
Michael & Eileen Lawrence
April 25, 2006
Gail touched our lives early in her career with Alaska. A dear friend. Our deepest condolences to her family. She will be missed.
Sue Frank
April 24, 2006
Denny and family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Gail. I have so many fond memories of her, especially the trip with her and the boys to Juneau. She will be missed by all, she was a special person with a heart of gold.
Bruce Calkins
April 24, 2006
We send our sincere condolences to Gail's family. It was a pleasure working with her.
Bruce & Barb
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Tom Johnson
April 23, 2006
I was so sorry to learn of Gail's passing. I had the pleasure of working with her during my time as Chief Pilot at Alaska.
She was a true professional and a truly genuine individual.
We who knew her share your loss.
Riccy Rosenberg Mandel
April 23, 2006
Gail...your kind generosity, gracious intelligence, infectious smile, sparkling eyes...you leave a void in the world. With deepest condolence to your entire family.
Cathy Burns-Reilly
April 22, 2006
I remember Gail very well. She was very nice,kind, soft spoken and thoughtful. I really felt like we were a team back in those days .We were a smaller company and everyone knew everyone by first name. I also felt I was in very competent hands when she was flying. I am so sad she is gone so young from her family.
Steve Forsyth
April 22, 2006
Gail always made it a point to stop in our operations office and say hello,whenever she was flying through..she'll always be remembered as a wonderful human being, and a friend. Condolences to her family.
Lisa Akiyama
April 21, 2006
Gail was such a wonderful person and working with her was a pleasure. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Skip Ryman
April 21, 2006
Gail was much more than a "coworker", she was a friend and a respected leader in her profession. I remember our goodnatured, spirited political conversations and the passion with which she gripped her world. Her soul, now in full command of all the secrets of the universe and in the presence of God glows all the brighter.
edward peele
April 21, 2006
just to say we remember you and your family ed
Julie Grizzle
April 21, 2006
My sympathy and compassion to Gail's family and friends. I may have met her during stop-over's but can't say for sure. I know what it's like to be one of the first women in a man's field, and I commend her for going the distance. God Bless you all.
Michael Rinehart
April 20, 2006
Michael and Sally send our heartfelt condolences to Denny and the boys. We shall remember Gail with fondness and happiness. May God bless your family today and forever.
Larry Huffman
April 20, 2006
Had good time flying with Gail when I was First Officer on 727 from 1988 to 1992. I am now retired living in Oregon
Edward Wilson
April 20, 2006
Ej & Maria Wilson will miss the sweet nature of this precious lady. She was not only a professional airline pilot, but a wife, mother, and sister.
Laurence & Buffy Rosenberg
April 20, 2006
To Gail's family and loved ones, our deepest sympathy. We loved, appreciated, and admired Gail's courage, warmth, wit, and intellect. Gail, you will be missed by us and all the people you grew up with in Puerto Rico. We will remember you always.
Peggy and Rich Doyle
April 18, 2006
Dear Denny, John, and Nic,
Pat brought us the sad news about Gail, whom we admired very much.
Although the pain of her loss can never leave you, we hope it will
eventually diminish, as you recall your happy times with her.
Robert Kennedy in his sorrow found solace in the words of Aeschylus:
Drop, drop – in our sleep, upon the heart
sorrow falls, memory’s pain,
and to us, though against our very will,
even in our own despite
comes wisdom,
by the awful grace of God.
We are thinking of you.
Peggy and Rich
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