Gail Marinac: Loyal Volunteer

On April 5, 2020 Gail Ann Marinac died due to complications from COPD and heart failure. Gail was a longtime volunteer at the City of Blaine and friend to many. Gail lived in the senior building next to Blaine City Hall. Almost every day Gail would be at city hall either in a volunteer capacity, or just stopping by to visit with her many friends as she passed by on her daily walk. She considered Blaine City Hall her home and the people inside her family.

Gail was Blaine’s Citizen of the Year in 2014. She was involved with the Police Department at Safety Camp and available every year for helmet fittings. Gail was the greeter at every blood drive for years. She knew everyone by name, and if they did not show up, she was concerned for their wellbeing. Gail was involved with the Parks and Recreation Department. She helped at holiday parties and any opportunity volunteers were needed, she was the number one go to volunteer and was always reliable. Gail was an election judge every year for the city. Anytime she was asked to help, she was there.

Though Gail is gone, her memory will always remain. She had a servant’s heart, if she was needed or asked to serve, she was there. No matter how poorly she felt, she would push her walker with the oxygen tank in the basket, and hike over to city hall for any event. If the weather was bad or her breathing was exceptionally poor, and she was unable to walk the short distance from the senior apartments to city hall, she would request a ride just to be present to serve her community and be involved.

Gail was a treasure and the city was lucky to have her as such a valued volunteer. For those of us who were lucky enough to have spent time with Gail, to have known the loving, kind, generous and quality individual that she was, we are thankful to have had her in our lives.