Genevieve Gail MacDicken's Obituary
Gail (Asplund) Anderson-MacDicken, while in her home surrounded by her family peacefully died and went to rest with Jesus on , March 24, 2015. Gail was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on March 30, 1935. Her father, a widower moved them to Portland, Oregon during her early childhood where her grown brother and sister could help raise her. It was there in Portland that Gail graduated from Jefferson High School in 1953. Shortly afterwards, she went to work for People’s Band and eventually became an IBM operator in the bank’s proofing department.
In 1956, Miss Gail was swept off her feet by the handsome Reverend Walter Anderson who have her many adventures in their 34 years of marriage as the wife of an Air Force Chaplain for 20 years, then a pastor’s wife, and finally a Bible College President’s wife. After Walter’s death in 1990, Gail settled in Milton, Washington. Then in 1992, another wonderful man of God entered her life and she married Mr. Robert (Bob) MacDicken. Together they celebrated 15 years of marriage until Bob’s death in 2008.
Gail’s home was a safe haven to many a lonely Air Force family or church family who simply needed love and care. She showed graciousness to all and her love for Lord and Savior. As a ministry, she was a giver in every sense of the word. Her joy came from helping others come to the Lord and then helping them grow in their faith.
She was blessed to serve the Lord in leadership roles in her local church, or as a chaplain’s wife in the military, or a leader in her church nation conference, Converge Worldwide/Northwest. Her last place of leadership was serving as a board member with Lake Retreat Camp & Conference Center.
Words to describe her would be faithful, loving, compassionate, and wise. Anyone who knew Gail could count on her faithfulness as a prayer warrior. Her joy of the Lord could always be seen on her face; whether she was singing, participating in or leading a Bible study, shopping, and/or knitting or crocheting.
One of her favorite things to do was building relationships, which she did the old fashion way, talking face to face over a cup of coffee or writing letters and cards. She even made her own cards at home. She was kind and respectful to all, whether a friend or a stranger.
Gail wrote some words in a memory book her family found just before she passed, she said, “I will be home with my Heavenly Father in a mansion He has prepared for me. I rejoice in that precious hope, the hope of being with loved ones again who have gone on before.”
We will miss her dearly but also rejoice in our reunion with her again in Heaven and what a glorious day that will be.
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