Donald Gale

Donald Gale passed away on July 24, 2005 in Richland, Washington. He was born June 1, 1918 in Blue Bell, Utah.

Donald spent four years in the Navy. He was stationed in Lake Superior, Jacksonville and Bremerton. He received an honorable discharge and returned home.

Donald was a talented mechanic, but earned his livelihood as a carpenter. As a resident of the area for 30 years, he played an important role in building homes in north Richland with his brother, Demar. Later, they built the Van Giesen Building Supply in West Richland.

He married Hannah Barnes, the perfect woman, in 1946. She was always in his heart in both thoughts and deeds. Hannah and Donald were unable to have children, so Hannah convinced Donald that they were living a shallow life and needed to do something about it. After discussing the situation, they both agreed on adoption. When they had all but given up hope on adoption, two children, Pam and Steve, were introduced to them. It was a win-win situation for all. His proudest church accomplishments were serving three LDS missions. The first was when he was single in Seattle and Bremerton. The second was when he and his new wife, Hannah, served two years in England. The third was a three-year construction mission in Argentina. It didn't matter where he was; he always lived the gospel principles he was taught.

Donald will indeed be missed by those he loved.

Donald was preceded in death by Hannah, who died in Spanish Fork at the age of 87. They had a rich marriage of 55 years. He is survived by his daughter Pam Mitchell and her husband Bert Mitchell of Richland, Washington; his son Steven and daughter-in-law Dawn of Idaho Falls, Idaho; seven grandchildren, Scott of Richland; Keith and wife Celenea of Vancouver; Michelle Mitchell of Richland; Steven and wife Amy of Rexburg, Idaho, Jenny Mitchell of Vancouver; Heidi Gale-Gonzales and husband Jim of Missoula, Mont.; Megan Gale of Idaho Falls, Idaho; and three great-grandchildren: Payson Mitchell of Richland, Wash., Grace Mitchell of Vancouver, Wash. and Breck Mitchell of Rexburg, Idaho.

Local funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2005 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Thayer Chapel, Richland. A second funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30 at Walker Mortuary in Spanish Fork, Utah, followed by interment in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday the 28 from 10-11 a.m. at the church.