Dear Kirk and your beautiful family,
I’m still searching for words to share how much Gale meant to me! Thank you for your extraordinary photos and beautiful words!
Kirk van Moon
Over the past 4 days I have been living with my mom at her new apartment in Lafayette, helping her adjust to new schedules, new faces, new routes, new, new, new.
It is heartwarming to see that humanity still has a loving heart, at least within the community of seniors here. At every meal, a different resident or staff member walks up (sometimes with assistance) to our table, introduces themselves and shares a story, a smile, a handshake and/or some form of welcome. If the rest of the world were as kind, gentle and humble, it would be a better place.
In my days here, it is hard to miss the obvious; memories, hair, skin and hearing are fleeting – enjoy them while you have them. And patience (with yourself and others) – stock up, you’ll need plenty.
Peace and thank you to these humans who are making Gale’s first days here feel like a home.
(copied from social media post, April, 2017)
Dodi
I met Gale at a women’s group in the 90s. Her creativity was always inspiring. I am still in awe of how she overcame her agoraphobia. She knew who she was and stood in that.
Rich van Druten
Thank you Kirk; My thoughts are with the soul of Gale tonight.
Ken Pooch Van Druten
Auntie Gale was always so cool to me as the youngest nephew. It was an adventure of creativity and learning to be invited into her home. I have many very fond memories of visiting the Lancaster castle.
When I was ten I was skateboarding and riding my BMX bike to school. Gale made a hoodie for Kirk where she stitched the Gordon and Smith (G&S) logo on the back. When Kirk outgrew it, Gale passed it down to me and I thought that was the coolest sweatshirt ever. I wore it everywhere I went for years. I thought I looked so cool in that sweatshirt that Gale had made with her sewing machine. That’s one of many memories I have of being the youngest in the family.
RIP Auntie Gale. You will be missed !!
Duncan Irving
Hi Kirk,
Lesli just told me about your mom’s passing. I know it’s been a long and difficult path to get to this point, but The End is always sad. It’s hard to witness a pivotal figure in your life steadily diminish in front you, and I’m sure you’ve experienced a range of emotions about Gale of late.
Sadly, the outcome is always assured with a terminal illness. You put in the time and effort, and your family did too. I imagine there were times when you didn’t feel like going, and yet you still turned up. Also, Oliver flew up to be with her (and you) at the end, which speaks volumes about him, and you all as a family. That’s something you can take a lot of pride in and draw comfort from.
Finally, I hope that you’ll remember her as a parent who loved you and tried to do her best by you, and also the better times you had together when you were all younger.
With love,
Your Brooklyn Family xxox
Forrest L. Merrill
Thank you for telling me about Gale’s transition. I will always be pleased that you introduced me to your Mom. She brought wonderful skills of knowledge and patience to our work. And she had this great, compassionate sense of humor the memory of which I will always treasure.
Please extend my greetings to your family.
Sincerely, Forrest
Teresa (Tocher) Fasola
Kirk,
Thank you so much for letting me know. I’m so glad Gale didn’t suffer too long. Hospice workers are truly angels.
I imagine her dementia was much harder on you than on her.
The picture is perfect, and the cigarette made me smile. Every photo of my mom until 1976, when she quit, had her holding a cigarette just like your mom!! It’s so funny that everyone smoked then.
I cannot adequately tell you how much I loved Gale. I knew how important your folks were to Bill, so I was more nervous meeting “The VanDrutes” than Bill’s own parents.
And, they both enveloped me into their lives immediately and lovingly.
Your mom was so talented and so smart, and she loved sharing her art.
I still have a Teddy Bear she made for me, to match my favorite quilt. And, she made all of Daley’s crib decor. I still am sad I gave it to a friend’s daughter, but it meant another lucky baby got to use and love it.
I could go on and on, but I hope you already know how much I loved her.
You and your Dad, too.
Teresa.
Susan Hicks
Hi Kirk,
Thank you for letting me know that Gale passed this morning. I’ve always counted her as one of my best longtime friends. The ice-skating picture was the perfect touch. I can just see her doing it.
I also remember lots of pictures of her activities as a majorette in high school or “twirler” as she called it. Also bicycling around Davis and camping times together.. do you still call Oreos “Jack cookies”?
We send our condolences and best wishes to you and yours.
Always, Susan
Sharon Spiller
Thank you for letting me know of Gale’s passing. I feel sad, and yet, I also feel that her spirit is now free and she will be able to soar with the angels she so loved.
A few people from our meditation group just got together on the phone and shared our memories of Gale. She was so loved by the group and they all expressed how lucky we were to have spent time with her kind and sparkling essence. What a blessing in all of our lives!
I don’t know if you are having any kind of memorial, but if you do I would appreciate being there.
Blessings to you and your family. Gale was so proud of you and your family.
I will hold Gale and our memories of so many adventures together deep in my heart forever.
Love,
Sharon