FRANCIS JOHN GAILLING

Francis Gailling passed away peacefully Dec. 30, 1998 at his home in Edmonton, Alta. at the age of 74 years. He was born Nov. 4, 1924 in Bremen, Sask. to the late Rosa and Mathias Gailling.
He is survived by his wife, Galina; and also leaves to mourn his five daughters, Gayle (Mervin) Hyatt of Emo, Penny Benson (Dennis Logan) and Brenda (Jim) Marr of Fort Frances, Ruth (Deder) Kielczewski of Thunder Bay, and Stacey (Roger) Buck of Edmonton.
He also leaves with very fond memories of “Papa” his all-male baseball team of grandsons, Patrick and Aaron (Crystal) Hyatt, Steven and Shaun Benson, Jeff and David Marr, Terry, Simon, and Paul Kielczewski, and Brett Buck, along with his only granddaughter, Jaleesa Buck; and four great-grandchildren, Brandon Marr, and Dallas, Cole, and Terrell Hyatt.
He also leaves three sisters, Rose Taylor of Chilliwack, B.C., Lydia (Fred) James of London, Ont., and Adeline Gailling of Lindsay, Ont.; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Francis was predeceased by his first wife, Betty (Cunningham) in 1967; his granddaughter, Rhonda Hyatt in 1969; his parents, Rosa and Mathias Gailling; three brothers, Joe, Math, and Don; and two sisters, Clothilda and Mildred.
Francis came to the Rainy River District on his own at the age of 14 in 1938. He married Betty on July 15, 1948 and they had five daughters. He worked at many jobs in the farming and logging industry while living in La Vallee until the untimely death of his wife.
He then moved to Fort Frances, where he continued to raise his family on his own and worked as a carpenter until 1975, when he moved west to settle in Edmonton.
There, he continued to work as a carpenter for Edmonton Northlands until his retirement in 1989.
Francis always kept busy. In his earlier days, he invented several things and held a patent on the game, “Dirty Marbles.” He was always thinking of ways to solve problems and make life easier or better for people. He submitted many ideas for inventions, some of which are in use today.
Even after his retirement, he continued to work at his trade and carried on a business as a general contractor and custom cabinet maker right up to the time of his passing. He took great pride in his work and enjoyed helping others.
Francis laid down his tools for the last time on Dec. 29 and went home to rest.
Services were held Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1999 in Edmonton. A private family graveside service will be held, with interment in Riverview Cemetery.