Gayle Maureen ACHTYMICHUK
It is with profound sadness that the family of Gayle Achtymichuk announce her sudden passing on December 28, 2025. Gayle was born in Waskatenau, Alberta on August 28,1964 and was cherished by her family and friends for her vivacity, many talents and passion for life. She was a bridge who brought people together and was happiest entertaining and being entertained.
Raised in a musical family in Lacombe, Alberta, Gayle became an accomplished trumpet player, winning numerous local and provincial awards and took part in acting and singing in local theatre productions. Gayle won numerous awards and scholarships both academically and through extra-curricular activities through sports and social activities. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Alberta, a Music Diploma (Music performance/Business Administration) at Red Deer College, and Arts Administration at the Banff School of Fine Arts. Gayle worked as a Marketing Director for Telus, managed Kompany! Dance and Affiliated Artists Society in Edmonton, was Theatre Manager at Red Deer College, and Marketing Director for Sorrento/Sorrentino’s Restaurant Group. In her spare time Gayle volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Red Cross Society, the Alberta Band Association, the Alberta Dance Alliance and the Alberta Conference for Theatre. Gayle loved Edmonton enough to make it her home for the rest of her life. In a “mid-life” career change, Gayle became a competitive tri-athlete and helped countless clients achieve their goals as a personal trainer and exercise class instructor.
She enjoyed many happy years of marriage and travelled the world extensively with her husband Craig Upshaw.
Gayle encountered some serious medical episodes over the years which cemented in her a philosophy that made her an expert at surviving when the odds were slim and created in her an appreciation for all the joys that the simple things in life can bring. She treasured the people around her, the time she spent in Costa Rica and her beloved cats.
Gayle is survived by her mother Olga, her sisters Joyce Howdle and Cheryl MacLeod, brothers Robert and Gerald (Carol Ann), 7 nieces, 4 nephews, 2 grandnieces and a grandnephew and by Craig Upshaw. Gayle was predeceased by her father Mike in 2019.
Donations in Gayle’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice honouring your memories of Gayle.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
I knew Gayle as a fitness instructor at the Derrick for the past 4.5 years. She was my absolute favourite. Her positive energy, kindness, enthusiasm, and compassion were amazing. And her classes were always amazingly fun. All the Derrick fitness participants are absolutely heartbroken at her loss. Deepest condolences to all her family and friends.
We are very saddened by Gayle’s sudden passing. We were so pleased to be able to spend some time with Gayle at our July family reunion which is now a precious memory. What a tremendous loss to our family. Much love from your cousin Roxanne and family.
Gayle was a treasured friend, family member, and artist. Her enthusiasm, passion and zest for life was always infectious. Our sincere condolences go out to her family and other friends. We have so many wonderful memories of Gayle and she is an honoured member of the Kompany! Dance family forever. As the song goes she is now “In the arms of an Angel”.
We love you Gayle!
Darold Roles and Ron Schuster
Gayle was a cherished friend, family member, and artist. Her enthusiasm, passion, and zest for life was infectious! Our sincere condolences, go out to her family and other friends. We have so many wonderful memories of Gayle and she is a honoured member of the Kompany! dance family forever! As the song goes, she is now:
“In the arms of an Angel.” We love you, Gayle!
Darold Roles, and
Ron Schuster.
Our sincere condolences to Olga and her lovely family. Gayle, a beautiful, sparkling soul has departed leaving behind a huge void to be filled with precious memories. She will be missed. Our thoughts are with you during this time.
Peter & Sonja Laschuk
A fire cracker for sure!! One of those students you just never forget: great energy, warm, almost mischievous smile, kind heart, focused and diligent, talented! And sing!
Deepest condolences in the loss of such a special person.
Deepest condolences Craig ..it is hard to imagine a more lovely or charming person on this planet , than Gayle ..