Michael J Gale

Michael J. Gale

September 21, 1939-July 18, 2018

Our beloved husband, father, and grandfather went to be with Jesus on July 18, 2018.  He suffered from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, and as a result died from a heart attack.  Mike is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Gale (Houser), his three children, Jan Gale, Michael Jr. (spouse Cynthia), Jennifer Risch (spouse James II), two grandsons, and 6 granddaughters. 

Mike was born in Detroit, Michigan, but quickly called Washington state his home. He was a Golden Gloves boxer, and also boxed in the Navy, where he was the 7th Fleet welter weight champion.  As a member of the United States Navy he was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, and was on the flight crew of the A3D Aircraft aboard the USS Midway.  While there, he met the love of his life, Nancy.  While on a group blind date they chose each other and married in 1959.  Throughout Mike’s life he and Nancy lived primarily in Northwest Washington – from Bow, to Federal Way, to Maltby, to Monroe, to Samish Island, and most recently wintering in their Lake Havasu, AZ home.

Mike was a jack of all trades.  He was a pilot, and a real estate developer, but the career he truly loved was being a Lieutenant in the Seattle Fire Department, from which he retired in 1981.  He was awarded Firefighter of the Year by the Seattle Fire Department during his career.  He also worked as a Fire Marshal in Woodinville, WA, and owned his own fire investigation business.  Mike was an expert in the field and was interviewed on several local and national news outlets including Dateline NBC.

Mike enjoyed his work, but more important to him was being with family and friends.  He volunteered for many things including coaching Little League and softball, leading Boy Scouts, and teaching Sunday School.  Mike had a passion for taking less fortunate people under his wing and being a mentor and father figure.  Mike was a history buff, and avid reader of National Geographic.

Mike was a fisherman, and spent his free time fishing with family and friends.  He loved being on the water, either on a boat or standing on the side of the river casting his line.  He also enjoyed dancing (he was great at the limbo), driving his Corvette and classic Chevy Camaro, tinkering in his shop, and working on whatever project he could come up with. He loved to read and watch shows about wildlife and nature.

Mike and Nancy traveled extensively around the United States and Canada in their motorcoach, touching lives and making lasting friendships along the way.  Mike was a loving, selfless, supportive, involved husband, father, and grandfather.  Always the goof in the family, Mike made everyone laugh and smile and bonded the family together.  He was tough as nails, but a softie at heart, and loved babies.  Mike was loved by everyone that knew him and touched many lives.  The family honored his life with a private memorial.  In lieu of flowers, donate to the American Lung Association.  The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.