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Welcome to the memorial page for

Gail Elizabeth McKee

April 2, 1959 ~ December 22, 2017 (age 58) 58 Years Old
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Message from Lee Exton
September 22, 2022 11:33 PM

I first met Gail when she joined the Los Angeles Watson Wyatt office. She had incredible amounts of energy, enthusiasm and creativity. She worked closely with our team on the Nordstrom account and always had well crafted guidance for us. I visited her home in Palos Verdes and learned of her love for writing. I was shocked to learn today that she had passed. Gail made the world a better brighter place and drew together teams of people with common purpose. I was blessed by her words and contribution to my life.
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A candle was lit by Ken Furuta on June 6, 2020 2:20 PM
Message from Ken Furuta
June 6, 2020 2:18 PM

As I was organizing my study yesterday, I came across a letter that Gail wrote to congratulate me on my retirement from Rockwell International in 2006. Rockwell was one of her clients during the early 2000s. It was a long, very touching letter covering some of the challenges we faced during many months of working on issues for my company, and detailing some of her memories of me and the times we worked together. This letter also included a page of haikus, a form of short Japanese poetry consisting of three phrases, expressing fragments of her memories of me. What a touching and remarkable remembrance! She must have spent a lot of time on this letter, but that was Gail, extremely personable and caring - - a great attribute to go along with her many other talents. I’m sure she was a great inspiration to all those that have worked with her, or for her, over the years.
It has been many years since I last spoke with Gail. I tried to check up on her current status by searching the internet and was very distressed to see this site and to hear of her passing. I’m grateful to have known her and I am so sorry for the loss to her family, friends and colleagues. She will certainly be missed!
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A candle was lit by Paul Santos - The Philippines on December 18, 2019 12:24 AM
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A candle was lit by Lizette McGinn on September 27, 2019 6:06 PM
Message from Lizette McGinn
September 27, 2019 6:06 PM

Dear McKee Family: I was Gail's Piano Teacher here in West Seattle back in 2017. We had our last lesson in December right before she passed away and I must say Gail was amazing and inspirational to me. Even though she was in pain she showed up every week and played. I am so glad I had the chance to know her, I only wish it could have been for longer.
Peace to you, Lizette McGinn
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A candle was lit by Janina Guevara on May 8, 2018 3:40 PM
Message from Teresa Gruber and Reid Scott
March 10, 2018 1:58 PM

We are so thankful that we had the privilege of knowing Gail and helping to care for Luka, Halston, and UB when she lived in Washington DC. What an incredible person Gail was...remarkable as much for her kindness, generosity, and wit as for her intelligence and work ethic. She touched so many lives. We are sorry for the great loss to her family and friends.
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A candle was lit by Margaret Binnendyk on February 1, 2018 7:15 AM
Message from Clare Lewis
January 20, 2018 9:54 AM

Gail was an inspiration to many of us - she challenged all around her to live a life filled with courage and integrity. I will never forget her words of wisdom, advice and support. To Gail's family and loved ones you are all in my thoughts and prayers - Gail has left a legacy that will never be forgotten
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A candle was lit by Lisa Myers on January 19, 2018 12:12 PM
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A candle was lit by Sheri Mitchell on January 18, 2018 1:13 PM
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A candle was lit by Luc on January 18, 2018 11:34 AM
Message from Maaike Konemann
January 15, 2018 12:33 AM

She was a true inspiration to HR in Willis Towers Watson - we will miss her
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A candle was lit by Brenda Lockett on January 10, 2018 10:16 AM
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A candle was lit by Yvonne O'Neill on January 10, 2018 6:24 AM
Message from Bill Rigger
January 9, 2018 2:18 PM

I knew Gail as someone who would brighten my day just by saying hello. I felt privileged to have worked with her for many years, and appreciated her engaging style. My condolences to Gail's family and the friends who a feeling a sense of true loss at this time.
Message from Tom Barratt
January 9, 2018 9:34 AM

Gail was a true colleague and friend . I shared respect and fondness for her with many others during my time at Watson Wyatt. Always a smile and bright, open mind. She will be missed.
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A candle was lit by Tom Barratt on January 9, 2018 9:29 AM
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A candle was lit by Adam Swain on January 9, 2018 6:44 AM
Message from Clare Gibson
January 9, 2018 1:43 AM

I was part of Gail's team at Watson Wyatt 10 years ago. I remember how welcoming Gail was and particularly remember how she always appeared to have time to give when you needed something (despite probably having a million other things to do!). Gail also did a brilliant job of always asking how you were and taking a genuine interest in what you had going on both inside and outside of work. These may be small but I think really important characteristics of a great leader. She will be greatly missed.
Message from Francis Coleman
January 8, 2018 8:07 PM

I was very lucky to be able to work with Gail during her time at Watson Wyatt and Towers Watson. She was a fantastic leader, role model and new path setter for all our colleagues. I am extremely grateful for her guidance and friendship. She will be sadly missed.
Message from Molly Fisher
January 8, 2018 1:31 PM

I had the pleasure to work with Gail many times at Watson Wyatt/Towers Watson/Willis Towers Watson. She approached everything with intelligence, thoughtfulness, compassion and kindness. I always enjoyed my interactions with her and had the utmost respect for her at our company. She was one-of-a-kind and will be very missed.
Message from Mike Tyukodi
January 8, 2018 12:24 PM

I had the pleasure of working with Gail on a few clients and internal initiatives over the years. She was one of the smartest, most practical and down to earth people I've ever met and really great at juggling multiple items at once. I really loved working with Gail as she would empower you to try new things and do your job and have your back all the way. I always said I was a big fan of Gail McKee and she will always be remembered and missed.
Message from Maggie Einhaus
January 8, 2018 10:13 AM

I am so sorry to hear of Gail's passing. I only worked with her twice, but I so admired her professionalism and common sense approach. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
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A candle was lit by Joan Cayabyab on January 8, 2018 10:13 AM
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A candle was lit by Maggie Einhaus on January 8, 2018 10:12 AM
Message from Katherine Gehman
January 8, 2018 9:12 AM

Getting to work with and know Gail was a true privilege. She was role model to so many of us at Willis Towers Watson. My sincerest condolences to your family.
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A candle was lit by Katherine Gehman on January 8, 2018 9:07 AM
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A candle was lit by MaryAnn Buchholz on January 8, 2018 6:36 AM
Message from Buffy Caflisch
January 7, 2018 5:37 PM

I was extraordinarily lucky to work with Gail towards the end of my career at Watson Wyatt. Gail was an inspiration. She analyzed issues intelligently, creatively and quickly. She was inclusive and collaborative. She packed a huge amount of positive energy, enthusiasm and generosity of spirit into how she approached work and life. My heart aches for Gail's family and close friends. I hope by Gail's intense way of living you have an incredible variety of dear and special memories that help sustain and comfort you. You are in my prayers.
Message from Wendy Lane, director of Willis Towers Watson
January 5, 2018 3:25 PM

I worked with Gail through the merger of Willis and Towers Watson as the Chair of the Compensation Committee. Gail was the consummate professional--responsive, careful, sensitive to people's needs and a great communicator. She was also a very warm person and became a good friend. I enjoyed exchanges of emails, seeing pictures of her beach house, pets, etc. and, like so many people will miss Gail. But she has left her mark; I am a better person for having known her.
Message from Mark Abbott
January 5, 2018 7:48 AM

I worked in our Los Angeles Office of Watson Wyatt when Gail was the Managing Consultant. We participated in the LA Aids Walk with several associates and Gail took us all out to lunch afterward. I was invited down to her house in Palos Verdes to assist with an internal team meeting for Nordstrom. When she relocated to Seattle I was assisting her remotely as my boss took over her position in Los Angeles. When I relocated to our Minneapolis office Gail and her assistant sent me a jacket with a note saying, I would need this for the cold tundra I was about to experience. Gail was always full of energy, excitement and ready to include everyone in events around the office. Gail was a remarkable woman full of life and so smart. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My deepest condolences to her family.
Message from Anne Caldwell
January 3, 2018 8:32 AM

I have been lucky enough to work with Gail over the last 10 years and to see the energy she put into everything she faced. Gail has always been passionate about people and an incredible business women, as well as caring and fun. Her cheery outlook in the face of diversity will always be an inspiration.
Message from Michael Marion
January 2, 2018 12:29 PM

Gail was an inspiration for me and for many. Her relentless drive, her focus on clients, her attention to detail, her willingness to step outside her comfort zone, her love for her colleagues, and her ability to take on tough issues will be what I remember about Gail. I was very privileged to work for her and with her. I have known Gail for 15+ years and cherished each opportunity I had to interact with her. McKee family, please accept my condolences for your loss.
Message from Chris and Lee Fredrickson
January 2, 2018 8:26 AM

Dear Laura and family,

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Reading her obituary it is obvious what a gifted woman she was.. He picture certainly shows a sisterly likeness, Laura. I lost my sister at age 54 to cancer as well. Having walked that path I can appreciate the void she leaves, but I know you will treasure the memories she gave you." Let not your hearts be troubled" but instead be filled with His love and comfort.

Chris and Lee
Message from Elaine Wiggins
January 2, 2018 7:14 AM

I was lucky enough to work with Gail at Watson Wyatt and after with Towers Watson and Willis Towers Watson. Gail was always a pleasure to work with, so professional but also warm, encouraging and funny! She will be greatly missed. Please accept my condolences.
Message from Cindy Boyle
January 1, 2018 9:53 AM

Gail was an extraordinary mentor, dear friend and fantastic colleague to me for close to 25 years at Willis Towers Watson and its predecessor companies. She lit up every room she entered with her enthusiasm, positive attitude, intellect, zest for life and compassion. My deepest condolences to Gail's family, and I hope that your many wonderful memories will provide you with some comfort during this difficult time. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
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