Ida Gaff

Besides her loving husband of 69 years, Richard, left to mourn Ida’s passing are her children: Donna (David), Douglas (Jo-Ann), and Larry; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren as well as many relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Edith and Albert Hedlund, her brother Edward “Ted” (Susan) Gaff, and two grandchildren, Richard and Jenna.

Ida was born, schooled and worked in the town/city of Medicine Hat. After completing her grade 12 education, she went to Toronto, Ontario for the summer, and completed her Grade Level 10 Piano at the Toronto Conservatory of Music. Upon returning to the ‘Hat, she started a music store and now had a place to teach piano to young students.

Her parents decided to move to Nanaimo, BC, and Ida moved with them. She met her husband Richard Gaff, who was in the RCAF, at a hanger dance in Comox and the rest in history. They were married on April 14, 1956, and lived in Courtney, BC, until Richard was transferred to 4 Fighter Wing, Baden Baden that fall.

Our oldest children, Donna and Douglas were born at the Base hospital. The family returned to Canada in 1959, to Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. This is where their youngest, Larry was born.

They spent 12 years in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, after retiring from the military life. They spent 13 years with the Alberta Government and finally, left the working world, living the next years in Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Kelowna, and finally, finding their niche in Lethbridge, from 2001 to present.

At this time, the Gaff family would like to thank all of the hospital personnel who looked after Ida, including Rockyview Hospital in Calgary, who gave excellent service. To our local medical staff, as always, they give top drawer service to us.

It is Ida’s wish to not have a funeral. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.