Richard Edwin Gale passed on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at home surrounded by family after a short illness.

Born June 5th, 1942 in Lockport, NY to Mabel (Gooding) and Edwin Gale.

If he could write the obituary, he'd tell you he had a good life. He loved being of service to family and friends. He would always try to help others with whatever someone needed. He served many people as a Mason and on his own.

Richard was a Buckeye Fan and adventurer! His adventures included many road trips to travel from CA to Buckeye football games, or cross-country trips to capture the beauty of numerous national parks.

Richard's careers included outside sales and teaching. Between all the cross-country trips for his adventures and driving for outside sales (and just living in SoCal), he probably spent 4 solid years of time in the car!

A sportsman through and through, Richard vaulted over life's hurdles with grace and agility, leaving a legacy as solid as his pole vaulting records.

He was also an athlete. He enjoyed playing basketball and pole-vaulting in his younger years, and golf his entire life. He tried out for the Ohio State men's basketball team while in college, and will tell you he lost the position to Bobby Knight. He also pole-vaulted in high school and college, competing at the state level and later being inducted to the Canal Winchester Athletic Hall of Fame.

Richard's other hobbies included singing in barbershop quartets and choirs, and listening to jazz music. His harmonious spirit resonated not only in the chords of barbershop quartets but also in the jazz melodies that filled his soul.

A family member remarked that he liked music without words and words without music!

Richard was a funny guy! It was Richard's comedic timing that truly stole the show. With a knack for wordplay and puns, he could turn any conversation into a sidesplitting comedy. He also enjoyed telling many stories, including stories about his time in the Army. He served from 1965-1967.

Richard is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary (Lyon) Gale, and sisters Barbara Snyder and Lois Alspach. He is survived by his current wife, Carolyn (Sandru) Gale, and children, James (Yanira) Gale, Mark (Michelle) Tyler, Teresa (Mike) Cadmus, Christina (John) Kane and Steven (Amy) Gale, grandchildren Andrew, Jamie, Austin, Timothy, Michaella, Richard, Elena, Alexander, Diana, and great-grandchildren Bennett, Emilia and Lainey, and numerous extended family and friends.

As we bid farewell to our dear Richard, we take solace in knowing that his laughter will echo in our memories forever. Though his journey on this earthly stage has ended, his spirit will continue to sing, a melody of love, laughter, and everlasting joy. Rest in peace, and may your punchlines echo through eternity.