Gale Stanley King
October 17, 1946 – Aug. 1, 2022

Gale was born in Richmond, California, where he had many adventures with his brother Dwayne and his sidekick “Ogle.” His stories of his childhood were hilarious and full of crazy stunts. He attended DeAnza High School. He liked to tell people it took him six years to graduate. When he got puzzled looks he added they were building the junior high so all students, 12 to 18, were placed at DeAnza.

Gale came to Humboldt to get his teaching degree. With his storytelling skills, he would have been a great teacher, but he had an opportunity at State Farm that he couldn’t pass up. He was a fixture in Arcata at 6th and G for many, many years. His clients and office staff became his friends.

Gale married Karen Banducci. Early in their marriage, Gale served in the Army National Guard. Later on they were blessed with two sons, who they dearly loved, that were opposite as night and day. They also had bonus son, Sam Cannon, who Gale loved dearly. Gale was involved in coaching Little League Baseball and basketball for several years. He became close friends with other coaches, especially Harold Shamp, who remained a close friend to the end.

After the passing of Karen and Kellen, Gale married Debi Cool. He became an instant father to her children and grandpa to theirs. He was very loved and admired by them all. He spent many hours watching them splash and play at his cabin at Trinity Center, making our summers a joy.

Gale was also a man of great faith. He served as Bishop, Institute leader, and Temple Worker alongside his wife Debi, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a loved member of the Arcata Ward choir. Though he couldn’t carry a tune, he always came with a smile. Gale was a good man who is so very loved and will be missed by family, friends, and his goofy little dog, Fuji, who he sang to everyday. Gale’s service went beyond his church callings. He often would secretly do acts of kindness, never seeking credit for his service.

Gale leaves behind so many friends that were so special to him: “Grondo” John Grondalski, who he loved like a brother, Harold Shamp, the Blaires, Claire Monge, and little buddy Justin Hamblin, to name just a few.

Gale played hard, loved many, sang terribly, and will be forever in our hearts. He is survived by his wife Debi, children, Gabe, Terah/ David Kropp, Matthew/ Augusta Spallino, Shanna Davis, 15 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and two little dogs. He was preceded in death by Karen and son Kellen King.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 20 at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1660 Heartwood Drive, McKinleyville. Cremation by Ayers Family Cremation.

###

The obituary above was submitted by Gale King’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.