A proud United States Navy veteran, Gale later attended Weber State University and built a career dedicated to environmental stewardship, education, and public service. He was a man who loved the open road, cared for the earth, listened deeply, laughed easily, and encouraged others to be kind.

He is survived by his daughter, Kristine (Harms) Paoli; grandsons Kelton and Jakob Paoli; siblings Leonard Harms Jr., Bernadine Smith, and Warren Harms; and many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and colleagues.