WILLIAM ALEXANDER GALE

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WILLIAM ALEXANDER GALE It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother on April 24, 2011 at Deer Lodge Centre. William (Bill), born August 28, 1923 on Pandora Avenue in east Transcona. Predeceased by his wife, Jean in September (1972), his mother Elizabeth Gale (Mclean) 1937 and his father Henry Edmund Gale (1942), Lillian Gale Ethel Haron, Kay (Myron) (Tyler), Phylis Fazackley and brother Bob, Ken, daughter Debra Wesley Gale March 1, 1982, son Randall Wayne March 1953 in infancy, numerous nieces and nephews. Dad grew up in Transcona where he attended Central School. He delivered groceries on his bike for Louie Davids' Red White store. On December 22, 1940 dad began working for CN Rail Transcona. He enlisted in the army on May 27 1941, in Winnipeg. He joined the Manitoba Dragoons. He trained at Minto Armories, Shilo and camp Borden, Ontario. When Japan came into the war, dad went to Vancouver Island until May 1942, then made his way to camp Debert, Nova Scotia. On the way to England dad celebrated his 18th birthday while crossing over on the Queen Elizabeth II. He transferred to the Fort Garry Horse regiment so that he could be with his brother Ken. Dad was in the Normandy invasions then France, Belgium, Holland, Oldenburg and Germany. While waiting repatriation in Doetinchem, Holland, he participated with his unit to build Canada Park in Doetinchem, Holland. In Netherlands dad was awarded the medals of 1939-1945 star, France, Germany, defense medals, Canadian volunteer service medal and clasp and numerous other medals. In 1995 the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Holland, dad, sisters Phyllis and Dorothy, his daughter Sandra, son Greg stayed in Doetinchem with Anna, Jon and Sons. After the war Bill returned to CN Rail retiring as a chief supervisor at Symington Yards in August 1988 with 48 years of service. Dad was a member of the St. James #4 Legion, a member of A.N.A.F #283 and a life member of the Fort Garry Regimental Associaton Mcgregor Armory. A member of the N.D. party for many years. Dad met mom in a tea house in England. Dad married Jean Bull and she was his war bride and came over in June 1944. She was in the British Army in the A.T.S division. Mom was diagnosed with MS and on September 16, 1972 passed away at the young age of 46. Dad leaves to mourn his children Sandra (Leon) Dupont and their family, Gillian Gale, Greg Gale (Natalie) and his family, Carol (William) Walker and her family, Wesley, Jason and numerous nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. Dad is survived by his sisters Nellie Cranstone recently deceased of Oakbank and family Dorothy Nault and family, Irene Marriott and his brother Fred who died in December 16, 2007 in Toronto. He will be fondly remembered by Darlene (Don) and Kevin Richardson, David (Lottie) Woods and family; as well as Cindy Ducharme and family. Dad was predeceased by his partner of many years Joyce Rutherford in December 2000. She was very good to Bill's children and granddaughter Latasha. She is survived by her daughter Tracey (Gord) and her children. Dad loved football, hockey, and reading the paper from start to finish. We wish to thank the staff of Deer Lodge for their care and compassion. Memorial services will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. with reception to follow at 4000 Portage. The Fort Garry Horse Unit will play the bagpipes played by George Lawrence. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2011