"I always loved when we visited each other for holidays or just because! I always loved loved loved uncle Leroy saying with his happy cheerful voice ?It?s KIMMY!!? Like he was so excited to see me and made me feel so special. I loved that he would have chocolate covered bananas on a stick exiting for us in the freezer when we?d connect. I loved hearing my dad, uncle Russ, and him laughing over silly jokes they would tell each other. I just loved everything about him. I am grateful to have had such a special and loving Uncle. "
In loving memory of
Charles Leroy Gale
October 15, 1937 - July 31, 2022
Charles Leroy Gale, 84, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 31, 2022, at his home in Scottsdale, AZ.
Charles, or Leroy to his family, was born 15 October 1937 in Durango, Colorado, the seventh and last child of George Marlin and Evelyn Slade Gale. From a young age, he was tender-hearted, kind, and creative. He served in the U.S. Army for 3 years and was honorably discharged in 1958. He also served for 2 years as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Southern California. Shortly after, he married his sweetheart, Irene Jex, on 28 June 1962 in the Manti Temple in Utah.
Being a dad and grandpa was Leroy's favorite achievement. He taught his family service, kindness, a love of learning, good work ethic, and a love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He encouraged them to earn merits, to improve their talents, and to have fun with anything, even chores. He made up games and songs to entertain his kids. Many babies have been mesmerized by his Donald Duck impersonation.
Leroy loved people. He was often talking to complete strangers as if they were old friends. Everyone loved his fun energy and inclusive personality. He especially loved his wife. Their family gathered to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary just one month ago with games, food, and laughter.
Leroy and Irene have 8 children: Charles William (Michele) Gale of Piedmont, OK; Becky (Jon) Dahl of White Rock, NM; Andrea (Brady) Pile of Wahiawa, HI; Amy (John) Carden of Phoenix, AZ; Ranae Stafford of Flora, IL; Kip (Brittney) Gale of Laveen, AZ; Mandy (Clint) Forte of Little Rock, AR; and Katie (Gary) Poppleton of Seguin, TX. Leroy was preceded in death by two children, Charles William Gale and Andrea Pile. Leroy and Irene also have 32 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one on the way.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial held on Saturday, August 6th, at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2022 N. 74th St., Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice of the Valley (www.hov.org).
For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed at the following link: https://vimeo.com/735919864