Gail Marcine Ledward, 57, a resident of Mesa, Ariz., died on July 15, 2013, at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on Vancouver Island, British Columbia of necrotizing pneumonia, which she contracted while on a vacation trip and cruise in Alaska. She was with her husband, Steve Nunn, twin sister, Barbara Gillick and brother-in-law Tim Gillick.
Gail was born on Aug. 12, 1955, in Lemmon to Inez and Allen Walter. She was raised in Ipswich. As a teenager, she worked at her uncle Harley Taylor's John Deere dealership. Gail was graduated with honors from Ipswich Public Schools, then joined the USAF, using that time and the GI Bill to complete her BS degree and then her Law Degree from Arizona State University. Gail enjoyed the love, respect and friendship of her fellow attorneys, fellow golfers and staff of Alta Mesa Golf Club, her extended family, as well as anyone who came to know her well. She was married on November 11, 2011 (11-11-11: a date her husband couldn't forget) in Tubac, Ariz. The third time was definitely "the charm".
Upon graduation from the ASU College of Law in 1984, Gail joined the firm of Killian, Nicholas, Fischer, Wirken, Cook & Pew eventually becoming a full partner. While there, she thoroughly enjoyed working with her professional colleagues and mentors Ralph Pew and Chas Wirken. After the dissolution of the firm, she went into solo practice. Her area of specialty was construction law. She tried retirement twice, but missed work too much and returned after just a few months.
She was an avid golfer, a member of Alta Mesa Golf Club since 1996 and served on the board of directors for several years, with one term as president. She scored her first hole in one in June 2013, wining a 2 year car lease, at a tournament in her hometown of Ipswich.
Gail loved to hike and walk her dogs, she enjoyed Lake Powell and the outdoors in general. She loved to travel to new places and would plan the trips for months in advance. Digital photography was her latest avocation.
Gail supported animal shelters, women's shelters and The Smile Train with personal donations and by organizing charity golf tournaments.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen Nunn; her most super step-son Eric Nunn; her step-daughter, Aly Myers of Phoenix; canine "daughter" Dakota; and siblings: Carol Holdhusen of Gilbert, Ariz.; Lowell Walter of Bath, Bart Walter of Camden, Tenn., and Barbara Gillick of Ipswich; her favorite brother-in-law, Tim Gillick of Ipswich; and her father-in-law, Jimmie Nunn of Flagstaff, Ariz.
Gail was preceded in death by her mother, Inez Walter, July 27, 1994; her sister, Joyce Taylor, Sept 18, 1999; uncles: Irvin and Miles Taylor; and aunts: Adele, Marlys and Shirley Taylor
A celebration of life memorial will be held Oct. 26, at Alta Mesa Golf Club. Her ashes will be scattered according to her wishes.
Memorial donation suggestions: Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, DC, 20090-6231
Friends for Life Animal Rescue 143 W Vaughn Ave Gilbert, AZ 85233
A New Leaf Foundation 868 E. University Drive Mesa, AZ 85203
Words to describe Gail include: adventuresome, caring, efficient, encouraging, ethical, fun, loving, nurturing, practical, prepared, reliable, respectful and witty.