JOSEPHSON: Gaylan Karl Alfred of Exeter
Posted By Haskett Funeral Home On September 11, 2026 @ 3:04 PM In Exeter, Obituary | 74 Comments
It is with profound sadness that the family of Gaylan Josephson announces his passing on Thursday, September 10, 2026. He is now welcomed into his heavenly home with our Lord’s open loving arms. Surrounded by his family, he died just days after celebrating his 88th birthday at the South Huron Hospital, Exeter.
Gaylan was born September 6, 1938 in Thunder Bay, Ontario to proud parents Fred (1992) and Louise (1993) Josephson. He is predeceased by his sister Lorraine (1951) and his brother David (1956).
He is survived by his loving wife Evelyn (m. August 8, 1964), and his 3 children Debbie (Rick Knill), Karla (John Blakley), and David (Jennifer). His lifetime of accomplishments will be lovingly celebrated by his grandchildren Andria (Luke Otten), Derrick, Mark; Andrew, Nathan; Matthew, and Ethan, and his great grandchild William.
He will also be remembered by his siblings Grace (Jack McLaren), Elving (Sandra) and Carolyn (Ed Gibbons), and many nieces and nephews.
Gaylan graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph in 1963, and began an illustrious career in veterinary medicine spanning multiple decades. After establishing Embro Veterinary Services and working as a general practitioner, he then became instrumental in the development of the Veterinary Services Lab at Huron Park. He relished his responsibilities, from performing autopsies to educating students in the Veterinary Technician program. He became an internationally renowned Pathologist, particularly in the swine health research. He then proceeded to work at the University of Guelph as a Mycoplasmologist, where he continued to regale everyone with his keen wit and sense of humour.
Gaylan’s love of life always shone through everything he did. He devoted his life to his family and church. He travelled from Thunder Bay to Guelph, and never shirked hard work. The major milestone in his life was meeting and marrying the love of his life, Evelyn, who came all the way from Nova Scotia. Family was the world to him. He was so incredibly proud of his 3 children – in their scholastic accomplishments, their music and sports careers, and for them to be as much of an inspiration to their children as he was to them.
Gaylan was active in town politics and became a Town Councillor in Exeter. He was a supporting member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Exeter, since moving to Exeter in 1970. He enjoyed watching his children participate in sports, music, and education. He loved going for walks in the woods with his family, looking for golf balls. He would carry an ample supply in his pockets to drop along the way in case none were to be found otherwise. He loved telling stories and tales of old, augmented with his one liners. His best time was watching the Maple Leafs beat the Canadiens. He enjoyed travelling, woodworking, and just plainly being ‘the guy’ – the guy that anyone, anywhere, anytime would talk to you about anything. He fought through his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease with grace and dignity and stayed true to himself throughout.
Words alone can come nowhere close to describing how special Gaylan was, and what a lasting testament he will leave behind. His unwavering support, gentle wisdom and unconditional love will remain some of his greatest legacies.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at the South Huron Hospital throughout his stays. We appreciate them counting down the hours until he could celebrate his last birthday.
Visitation will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 40007 Kirkton Road, South Huron on Wednesday, September 16th from 12:45 to 1:45 PM, where Gaylan’s funeral service will take place at 2 PM. Interment Exeter Cemetery.
If you are unable to attend the service in person, the family invites you to watch the service recording later in the day by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
Donations to South Huron Hospital Foundation or Emmanuel Baptist Church in Gaylan’s memory would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences for the family of “JOSEPHSON: Gaylan Karl Alfred of Exeter”
I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to your family.
My sympathies to Evelyn and family, Gaylen was a great man and I’m happy to have known him.
Evelyn, Deb, Carla, David, and families, so sorry to hear of Gaylen s passing, you are in my thoughts and prayers, hold your memories close.
Please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of your husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a wonderful man and we are blessed for having met him. He will be missed. What a blessing to know that he is at home with his Lord and Saviour. May the knowledge of this comfort and sustain you in the coming days. God Bless.
Evelyn & family, My sincere condolences on this most profound loss of Gaylan. May your faith & precious memories bring you comfort.
Evelyn, Deb, Carla, David, Bev & I are so saddened to hear that Gaylan has passed. He was the best of neighbours for almost 20 years. From the almost daily chats over the fence to his stock of tools if I ever needed something.
Our deepest sympathy. The Josephsons were our neighbours when the children were young and we saw them often to say hello after we all relocated to Exeter.
Gaylan’s kindness and love of family were always front and centre.
Our thoughts are with you. May your awesome memories be a blessing at this difficult time.
Evelyn & family
SIncere sympathy in your great loss. Gaylan was loved, respected and appreciated by many. May God grant peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Our sympathy to Evelyn and family
Thinking of you at this sad time
Cy Eleanor and family
My Sympathy to you Evelyn & All Your Family
Gaylan was a great family man loved to talk about you all & accomplishments. He had a very full & successful career & respected at Vet. College Huron Park. Share your memories & in days to come.
Margaret Brintnell
Gaylan was a colleague and a valued friend. During my years at Western, I had the privilege of working with him periodically as a consulting fellow pathologist. Gaylan was a fine individual & a credit to our profession. I will miss him as a friend. Dean Percy, DVM.
Evelyn and family,
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband. We had many good visits over the years.
Peter mcFalls
Evelyn & families my deepest sympathy hold your memories close during this sad time
Dear Evelyn and family we are so sorry to hear of Gaylan,s passing. We did not get in that visit. Time gets away on us. You had so much on your plate this year with moving and then Gaylan,s injury.
We will not be able to be at the funeral this Wednesday. We will see you soon.
What we do know is that he is safe in the Lord,s arms now. And that is our comfort.
Please accept our sincere condolances.
My sincere sympathy Evelyn, hold your memories close during this difficult time
Evelyn and Family,
Deepest condolences to your entire family. Gaylan was a very kind, capable and respected person and was a good friend to our family. We wish you peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Jean and Family.
Dave and Karin Roger
Our deepest sympathy to Gaylan’s family.
Evelyn, Deb, Karla, David and families. heartfelt condolences on Gaylan’s passing. He was foremost a Christian , dedicated family man, and humble. He knew we my son-in-law, Mike DeGroot, DVM. He was very kind to everyone. Especially young, just starting out, DVMs. We enjoyed our visits with Gaylan and Evelyn. My favourite conversation with Gaylan was when people would phone and ask for Dr. Josephson. He would ask MD, or DVM. Then he would ask, male or female. A proud Father, and Grandfather. Cherish your precious memories. Love each other. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
Evelyn, Deb, Karla and families,
Our deepest sympathy to each of you in the passing of Gaylan. We know he will be greatly missed by all, as a dear husband, dad, grandpa, and friend. We always enjoyed chatting with him at church or wherever we met. We appreciate his many years of devotion and serving well in the animal health field. We will remember Gaylan as a true gentleman, full of wisdom, wit and quiet strength.
May the Lord give you comfort and strength, even as you rest in the fact that Gaylan is in the presence of His Savior.
Love and prayers,
Earl and Marilyn
Dear Evelyn and the entire extended Josephson family.
I am Ab and I worked very closely with Gaylan who was such a source of vast knowledge in Veterinary Pathology. He was a caring and very compassionate colleague. Like you all, he will be sorely missed. I pray for rest of his soul in eternal peace and tranquility AMEN
Ab Rehmtulla
Dear Evelyn and Family
Please accept our sincere condolences in the loss of Gaylan.
He was a great guy to have a good talk with. It was interesting to hear of his life growing up in Thunder Bay. So quiet spoken, he gave me the feeling as he spoke with his sage wisdom and subtle humour, that he knew that he had lived a “blessed ” life, with Evelyn and his family being the icing on the cake. My only hope is that there is the odd accordion in heaven, and he may have to apologise to me when we meet again.
Thinking of the family during this difficult time.
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Gaylan. I worked with Gaylan for many years through Huron Park and Guelph labs. He was a scholar and a gentleman. He was also our go to parliamentarian and expert on Roberts Rules ensuring civil discourse and orderly meetings. He will be missed.
Evelyn, Deb, Karla, David & family;
My sincerest condolences on the passing of your dear husband and father, Gaylan. Gaylan had a very distinguished career, but to me he was a “skating Dad.” I remember Gaylan driving us to Woodstock for skating schools, making sure we got to McDonalds for lunch and that we stopped at Becker’s variety before we hit the road. He was generous with his time, making sure our carnivals went off without a hitch and that our skating club was run professionally. I appreciated all of his contributions. Please know that you are all in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Audrey (Adkins) Dakin
Evelyn, Debbie,Karla , David and family
So sorry to learn of Gaylan’s passing. We have many good memories of our children involved in the Exeter Figure Skating Club. We’ll keep those good times in our minds as we move forward in life.
Evelyn our next chapter will be in Shadow Lane, look forward to visiting with you there.
Hugs, Louise
Evelyn, David, Karla & Debbie,
I am saddened to hear about Gaylan’s passing. He was always so kind and welcoming when David had me over to your home during our public school days. I will always remember how he let me have an extra piece of cake at David’s birthday party at Mother’s Pizza because I hadn’t eaten much. The pepperoni was too hot for me back then lol.
As a hockey coach Gaylan was always positive and encouraging and I enjoyed catching up and reminiscing with him when I would bump into him in town.
My condolences on the loss of your Dad and husband. Gaylan was a good man and he will be missed.
Dear Evelyn and family deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one . Evelyn you and Gaylan were the perfect example of soul mates . May your memories of happy times comfort you in the days ahead .
Wilma & Derrick
Karla so sorry for your loss, your father must have meant the world to you. sending up prayers to you and your family on this difficult day.
much love from Rick Brayley @ Springford Baptist Church
Evelyn and Family,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We enjoyed our visits with Gaylan and Evelyn over our fence. You were great neighbours. I remember when we first moved in and Gaylan invited us to your 50th anniversary celebration. He was very kind.
Our thoughts are with you.
Angela, Jeff, Alex, and Kaleigh
Evelyn and family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Gaylan.
Thinking of you at this difficult time. I know he will be missed.
God Bless.
Ellen Green
Evelyn & Family
My sincere condolences to you and your Family at this difficult time with Gaylan’s passing. Treasure all the good times you all shared with him.
Thinking of you all.
Cathy
A wonderful neighbour and friend.
Our sympathies to Evelyn and family.
My condolences to Evelyn and family. I have known Gaylan nearly all of my life. He worked with my Dad in Huron Park and replaced my father after his passing. They were good friends.He was such a good man and he will be missed by many.
Karla and family, my very deepest condolences on the passing of your father and grandfather. Just know that he will always be in your hearts.
Debbie and Brian Caza
Dear Evelyn and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and share in your grief. Gaylan was working with my father Tom Pridham, DVM when he suddenly passed away in 1975 and Gaylan was an immense support to us then and in the following years.
We would see him about yearly, mostly at Emmanuel Baptist Church, and are grateful to have been able to speak with him in 2023 at the Exeter 150.
The knowledge that he knew Christ as his saviour is comforting, but his loss remains great.
Sincerely,
Andy and Terry
Dear Evelyn
I was saddened to hear of Gaylan’s passing . My sincere condolences .
It is with great sadness we share with your family, with the loss of Gaylan, who meant so much to so many people. As a close friend for over 80 years, the hole in my heart will never be filled with someone of his character and values. Brenda and I appreciated him so much and are blessed to have so many great memories of the times we shared. We share your sorrow and your loss and pray that God will give you wisdom to deal with your loss at this time. We look forward to meeting him in heaven, and what a day of rejoicing that will be for all of us. All our love to all of you, Len and Brenda.
To the Josephson family,
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to your family.
As a veterinarian, Gaylon’s pathology skills and genuine concern made him a leader in our fight with animal diseases. He accompanied me on various farm visits and always had common sense insights into swine health problems. I enjoyed many great conversations with him . He was a true gentleman and someone that I looked up to.
My condolences to the Josephson family
Evelyn and Family
Clara and I want to extend our deepest condolences to you with the passing to glory of Gaylan. I always enjoyed talking with him about everything. He was always kind and loving and he will be missed. May God strengthen and keep you as you mourn and remember. Our prayers go before you.
Love in Christ Tony and Clara Vanderlaan
Mrs Josephson, Dave, Karla and Deb
We are saddened to see your family’s loss of Mr Josephson. We’ve known your dad and mom our entire lives and are still neighbours to this day. Very caring and kind anytime we saw them out for their daily stroll. You’re going to miss his calming presence but he is still right beside all of you, Take care !! Please accept our sincere condolences.
Rob & Tara Russell
Dear Evelyn and family
Our deepest condolences to you all.
May God be the strength in the coming days and always .
Harold and Lida DeVries from alberta
My sympathies to the entire Josephson family.
Dear Karla and family:
I am so sorry to read of your father’s passing. I know the love and admiration you
had for him.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Donna Ammonn
My sincere condolences to Evelyn and all of Dr. Josephson’s family. I came to know Dr. “Joe” while working at Centralia College and well liked by all the staff.
Evelyn and family
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time! Lots of love from Helen in Nova Scotia
Evelyn,
We are deeply saddened to her of Gaylan’s passing. Our prayers and condolences to you and the kids during this time. I went to OVC with Gaylan and enjoyed his freindship from the beginning and also getting to know and your family over the years.
Dear Deb,
I was very sorry to hear of the passing of your father, Dr. Gaylan Josephson.
From everything I have read here and heard about his life, he made a remarkable contribution to Exeter over many decades, both through his work as a veterinarian and through his service to the wider community. A life of that significance leaves an enormous void, and I can only imagine how deeply his absence is being felt by you and your family.
I hope, in time, there is some comfort in reflecting on the legacy he leaves behind. His contribution to this community, the respect with which he was regarded, and the lives he touched will remain part of how he is remembered for many years to come. You and your family should feel incredibly proud of who he was, what he gave, and the name and example he leaves behind.
Please accept my sincere condolences. I am thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time.
Our sincere sympathy to the Knill family. Hold onto your memories.
Neil and Diana Rapien
Josephson family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Mike and Beatie Rau
Sincere sympathy to Evelyn and all the family on the loss of your much cherished loved one .
May it help to know that others are thinking of you and send their love and support.
Remembering get togethers at several OVC functions over the years and also remembering Evelyn our times together in health care.
Take care and love to all the family.
Sincerely Lois Thiel
To the beautiful family of Gaylan
I wish to send my condolences on the loss of such a wonderful man.
I had the privilege and a joy to know and work along side Gaylan at the Vet Services/Animal Health Lab at the University of Guelph for many many decades.
He was incredible, friendly, knowledgeable and ever so charming – always a smile.
We have all been honored to have known him.
Helen Oliver
Debbie, Rick and family. So very sad to hear about the passing of your Dad. He sounds like he was such a wonderful, interesting man. I am sure his memory will be in your hearts forever. My sympathy to your family.
To Evelyn, Deb, Karla & David
We send sincere sympathy to each of you.
We always had such good visits when we met.
Remembering the boys and their peewee hockey days.
Jack & Elaine Chipchase
Karla, John, Andrew and Nathan:
My thoughts, prayers and sympathy are extended to you and your family at this time as you mourn the loss of your father. Blessings, Karen Reid
To the Josephson family,
As a veterinarian I found that Gaylan was very helpful. He was available and willing to offer his opinion on difficult cases. He was always engaging, and showed interest not only on the cases, but you as an individual. I considered him a friend.
My condolences to the whole family and community.
Our sincere condolences to the Josephson family. Gaylan was a great vet and mentor and certainly an influence on my career having followed him in his position as he retired from AHL. He was a great influence on the whole swine industry throughout his career – from Centralia to Guelph and as the parliamentarian for the Ontario Association of Swine Vets – he kept us in line as well! Always sincere, Always calm. He will be missed by all. OASV will provide a donation on his behalf.
Very sorry to hear of Gaylan’s passing. I worked with him for many years, and he was a fine person. A mainstay of the swine veterinary community.
Gaylan and Evelyn are the most wonderful people, and we are so grateful that life brought them to the community of Exeter. He leaves quite a wonderful legacy for his family to live by. Our condolences to each family member. May he show up in your lives in meaningful ways for many years to come.
Dear Karla and Family:
I am very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I know how much he meant to you.
He was a wonderful man…respected by everyone he met.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Deb and family,
I’m thinking about all of you during this unimaginable time of loss. This was such a beautiful tribute for someone who will be greatly missed.
Evelyn, Deb, Karla, David & families;
Our sincere condolences in the passing of Gaylan. He was a very well respected and valued member of our community. I always enjoyed my interactions with Gaylan over many years. My Mom, Marilyn Heimrich, also wishes to express her sympathy to all, especially Dr. Deb.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, and Marilyn Heimrich
Evelyn & Family:
Thinking of all the family at this sad and difficult time. Keep all those wonderful memories close, Gaylan was a wonderful kind man.
Rest in Peace Gaylan
Keith (Ernie) and Dianne Ahrens
Dear Evelyn.
I am sorry to hear of Gaylan’s passing. My deep condolences. Gaylan offered wise and kind counsel when I first came to town to start a new job. And later through the years, I enjoyed our chats, infrequent though they were. Such a wonderful man. Take care all.
Thoughts and prayers for your family. What a wonderful tribute to a husband , father and brother.
To the Josephson Families
It was with sadness that I heard of Gaylan’ passing. My deepest sympathy to you at this painful time. I pray that your treasured memories of Gaylan will keep you strong .God’s peace to you.
Was sorry to hear of Gaylen’s passing.
My sincere condolences on the passing of Gaylan. Has been several years since we met but with his passing I think of sisters Carolyn and Grace and brother Elving. Lots of memories of times shared growing up in Slate River. Josephson’s lived on the 3rd concession just behind our home. Junior Farmers and 4H were special organizations that we shared time together and learned so many skills that we still use today. Thanks for those memories. Thinking of the family in my prayers and thoughts.
What a wonderful man Gaylan was. Always enjoyed connecting with him and Evelyn. So glad that he is home with his Lord. Praying for the family.
Evelyn and family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time.
Keep all the good memories close and cherish them.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cathy
To Gaylans Family:
So sorry to hear of Gaylans passing. I grew up in Slate River and went to school, junior farmers and 4h with Gaylan. He was a great person.
Dear Josephson Family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Gaylan’s passing. I have fond memories of him as a young girl figure skating in Exeter. He was dedicated to our little club! Also he was the guest speaker at my grade 8 graduation ceremony and I was the lucky student that got to thank him! He was most impressed that I could pronounce his last name!! I also had a chance to reconnect with him and his lovely family at one of his South Huron Hospital stays…he and my dad were once in the same room and we had lots to chat about. Wishing you all my sincere condolences…hold your memories close.
❤️ Brenda Pincombe
Gaylan was a world- class veterinary pathologist who quietly went about his work helping veterinarians with expert diagnostics across Ontario and beyond. He had seemingly endless curiosity and stepped up with expertise in many dificult outbreak investigations while always adding a degree of humour and humility. Sorry to have missed his visitation, our thoughts are with his family.
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Evelyn, Deb, Carla, David and families.
Sending my deepest sympathy, prayers and hugs during this sad time and in the days to follow. Gaylan was a very special person. Always loved our visits now and in the past.