Barbara Gayle Sargeant (née Johnson)
November 5, 1946 - March 4, 2026
After a difficult battle with melanoma, Gayle passed away surrounded by the love of her family on March 4, 2026, at Jessica’s House Hospice in Exeter, in her 80th year.
Gayle was the best friend and loving wife of Bob for almost 57 years; proud mother to Corey (Tracy) and Kristi (Jason); and delighted “GG” to the late Carson, Stella, Lily, Miles and Morgan. She will be deeply missed by her extended family and friends, including her girlfriends who truly were like family.
An incredibly hardworking, strong-willed and successful businesswoman, avid shopper, and talented home designer and florist, Gayle was the firstborn daughter of the late Harvey and Barbara Johnson (née Birchard). She spent her childhood largely in Burlington, Ontario, where she met her much-loved “Sarge” at Aldershot High School. After attending Junior College in Port Huron, she earned her degree in social work at Western Michigan University. After returning to Burlington, Bob and Gayle made the brave decision to move their young family, first to Sarnia, Ontario, and then to Exeter, Ontario, where they opened Miles Ford and became part of the tight-knit Exeter community. Gayle avidly volunteered with the Exeter Lioness and local figure skating club, all while spending many happy winter weekends in Ellicottville, New York, where she hosted the best après ski for all her family and friends.
Gayle spent her last, and arguably most successful, 21 years in London, Ontario, where she continued working as a condominium manager and, in true GG fashion, made the courageous decision to start her own condo management business, G3 Property Solutions, at age 60. She also wholeheartedly supported Corey and Kristi when they followed her entrepreneurial spirit, and during her over 30 years as a condo manager and business owner, she mentored countless women in the condo management field with compassion, generosity and kindness. Gayle had an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience and was justifiably proud of her career.
Thank you to the fine physicians, nurses and staff from the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre at the London Health Sciences Centre in London, Ontario. Thanks also to Dr. Lam and the exceptional nurses, PSWs and staff at Jessica’s House Hospice in Exeter, who treated our beloved GG and our family with such kindness and compassion during her last days.
A Celebration of Life to honour and remember Gayle will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to donate in memory of Gayle are asked to consider Jessica’s House Hospice in Exeter.
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Sincere Condolences to Bob, Corey & Tracy, Kristi & Jason and the grandchildren. Gayle, a remarkable leader whose influence shaped both my career and my confidence. Gayle didn’t just hire me—she saw potential in me before I fully recognized it in myself. She opened the door to condominium management and then walked beside me as a mentor, investing her time, her guidance, and her belief in my ability to grow. Gayle’s leadership was grounded in integrity, clarity, and genuine care. She challenged me with purpose, supported me with patience, and set a standard of professionalism that continues to guide me today. Under her mentorship, I learned not only how to manage a condominium, but how to lead with intention, communicate with confidence, and trust my own judgment. Some people enter our lives for a season, and others leave a lasting imprint. Gayle is one of the rare few who did both. Her mentorship became a compass I still follow, and the lessons she shared remain a cornerstone of my career. I carry deep gratitude for the role she played in my journey and for the lasting impact she has had on who I am as a professional and as a person. Hayley Smith
Our Sincere Condolences to Bob, Corey & Tracy, Kristi & Jason, we were sorry to hear the news and sorry we couldn't have been there for the family Gayle was a special friend with our family while they lived in Sarnia & Exeter, so many weekends and vacations spent together either skiing in Ellicottville, our vacation to the Flamingo in Las Vegas, or sitting around their pool laughing about the fun times out on the boat or the time Smuggler ate Mandi's ice cream cone. We will never forget you Gayle please rest in peace old friend. Love Norm & Jill, Mandi & boys.
Our team at Edison Engineers was deeply saddened to learn of Gayle’s passing. Gayle was a respected property manager and a valued member of the community. We extend our sincere condolences to Corey, Kristi and the entire family during this difficult time. Gayle will be greatly missed. In her memory, we have made a donation to Jessica’s House Hospice.
We were saddened to learn of Gayle’s passing. Gayle always made herself available to us when we had questions and concerns. She will be missed by many. Our condolences go to her family at this difficult time.
Sending our most sincere condolences to Gayle’s family at this very sad time. She helped us over many a hurdle , her guidance and knowledge was always welcomed . Our prayers are with you!
Sarge, Corey and Kristi and families, we send our condolences on the loss of a wonderful lady, Gayle. My father Dalton had the pleasure of working for Sarge and Gayle at Miles Ford in Exeter. My parents and Gayle and Sarge had many good times together outside of work and became good friends. Sending our sympathies from Gladys, Shelley, Brent and Sharen
Gayle hired me with no experience. She saw a potential in me and I haven't proven her wrong. My career started because of her. For that I'll be forever grateful. She had that presence and energy that you knew she was there without seeing her. She'll be missed.
Corey, Kristi and family, Our sincere and deepest sympathies on the sad loss of your dear mother Gayle, a wonderful woman. May she rest in peace.
I would like to express my condolences to the family of Gayle Sargeant at this time.
Sarge, Corey, Kristi and family I have no words for the sadness you are all feeling right now, as am I. So many wonderful memories of times spent with the Sargeants - weddings, dinner parties, backyard gatherings and just quality time spent with such good friends. A well lived life with family always a priority for Gayle. Sending affection to you all from myself,Mikala and Kian and a special hug to Sarge. Take care of each other and well earned rest my friend.
My sincerest condolences to the whole family on the loss of Gayle. She truly was a larger-than-life personality. Even though it has been a few years since I last saw her, I can still hear her voice and her laughter perfectly when I think of her. I remember being a young high school kid tagging along with my sister Erin to Kristi’s house in Exeter, and Gayle immediately made me feel welcome. She brought me into the conversation and made me feel like I belonged there just as much as the big kids. She always seemed to be right at the centre of things, even if she was in the kitchen and the conversation was happening somewhere else in the house. I will always remember her for that warmth, her sense of humour and her laughter. I feel very lucky to have those happy memories of her. Thinking of all of you and sending my deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
I will always remember Gayle for her bubbly personality, her great laugh and abundance of smiles. Deepest condolences to Sarge and her extended family. May she be at peace now
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Sarge and family, I was so sorry to hear of Gayles passing. She took pride in her family and business to a whole other level that most people could not. In the years we had worked with her, she has taught me so many things. I will cherish our conversations we had and the times where we were able to meet up for a lunch or dinner. She truly was a remarkable woman. Sending love to the family.
~ Melanie Cassidy