Kenneth Glen Gale

Kenneth Glen Gale

July 21, 1933 — May 25, 2009

MONTROSE — Ken Gale, age 75, passed away in his home on Memorial Day, May 25, 2009.

Born during the depths of the depression in Ogden, Utah, Kenneth Glen Gale was the youngest of seven brothers and sisters. His father died when he was one, and he was raised by his working mother and his brothers and sisters.

In 1952, he married Esther Myers and, after living in San Antonio, Texas, and Scottsbluff, Neb., he settled with his family in Montrose, Colo. on Memorial Day 1964. Ken and Esther purchased the bowling alley on Montrose’s Main Street and immediately began construction of the Rose Bowl Recreation Center which opened later that year. They owned and operated the business for 16 years. They also owned and operated Gale’s Cards & Gifts in downtown Montrose, as well as a second store in Nampa, Idaho. Ken then served as the executive director of the Montrose Chamber of Commerce from 1989 to 1997.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Esther, and five children, Jeffrey Gale of Sacramento, Calif., Brent Gale of American Fork, Utah, Bryan Gale of Hamilton, Colo., and Tamara Walworth and Linda Carl, both of Montrose. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and one great-grandson, all of whom he loved dearly, and three sisters, Elnora Messina of Salt Lake City, Clara Doos of Beaumont, Calif. and Bonnie Carrel of Layton, Utah.

Ken’s passion was his family. Serving his community, though, was a close second. He was appointed to the Montrose City Council in the 1970s and was elected mayor in the 1980s, and he remained active in local events even during his long struggle with cancer. His accomplishments include assisting in the city’s development of a new airport, two industrial parks, and many walking and bike trails. He played pivotal roles in developing and building the Montrose Pavilion and in obtaining National Park designation for the Black Canyon. He was extremely proud of Montrose’s participation in the Summit of the Eight, which was held in Denver in June of 1997.

Ken thought of himself as a “builder” and hoped he would be remembered as one whose vision helped the City of Montrose. He was once described as “the most positive person in Montrose,” a leader with courage and a sense of humor who was never afraid to take a public stance.

Upon his retirement from the Chamber of Commerce, the Ken Gale Chamber of Commerce Scholarship was created. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Montrose High School student who best reflects Ken Gale’s role in the community, including interest and participation in business, government, and civic affairs. Ken was very grateful to “the thousands of people who have assisted me ... with many worthwhile projects.” He will long be remembered and missed greatly by his family and friends.

Services for Mr. Gale will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 30 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ken Gale Chamber of Commerce Scholarship in care of the Montrose Chamber of Commerce.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.