John Gale was known as a gentle man, a kind man and a man who exceeded by far his own summation of his life's accomplishments.
John's father, also John Joseph, was a successful bridge builder in Newfoundland from the 1920s to 1940s. He promised his 16-year-old namesake that on his next project young John would accompany him. This was supposed to set the stage for a career following in his father's footsteps. Sadly, his beloved father died of a heart attack in 1948 while working on his last project and young John's life plan was cut short before it even started.
He persevered, working in a carpentry shop in Goose Bay, Labrador, for a short while until a work-related accident caused the loss of an eye. He returned to Newfoundland, eventually working in his older brother Tom's supermarket and settling down to start a family with his wife Sheila, whom he married in 1958.
The first family business venture, a children's clothing store, was started by Sheila but John soon realized his potential as an entrepreneur. He was granted a franchise for the Placentia area and soon was running the successful BA Garage. Over the years, with Sheila and other business partners, he invested in many businesses and rental properties.
Growing up, the children - Jackie, Pam and John Timothy - all knew Dad was the parent to go to when they wanted something. But in reality, both John and Sheila took much pride in being able to give their children many of the things they didn't have when they were young: dogs and horses; toys and games; motorcycles and music lessons; and so much more. But most of all they spoiled their children with unconditional love.
A man of many talents, John could sit for hours lost in his thoughts, conjuring up a new invention or project. He enjoyed demonstrating his sliding floor. With one press of a button a section of floor slid under the kitchen island, exposing the stairs to the basement. John loved politics, cars - old and new - and also enjoyed a tipple from time to time, but three years ago, medical issues denied him this pleasure. He was not pleased.
In his last 19 years, his greatest passion was his namesake grandson. He had many hopes and dreams for young John Joseph Gale. He believed strongly in his potential and looked forward to seeing where his life would take him. He was also looking forward to meeting his new stepgrandson, Jeil, who lives in the Philippines with John Timothy and wife Riza.
The hardest thing for John to do would be to say goodbye. His sudden death spared him that grief.
Jackie Gale-Vaillancourt is John's daughter.