Gaylord "Gale" Willis Chapin's Obituary
Gaylord “Gale” Willis Chapin. 1942-2019. Gale passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short battle with cancer. Gale was born to Verna Kondek, November 4, 1942, in Emporium Pennsylvania. After graduating from Emporium High School, he went on to pursue higher education at the University of Texas A&I at Kingsville where he completed his Bachelor’s Degree, and then went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Engineering.
Gale served in the United States Army for 30 years, during which he served in the Vietnam War. He retired at the rank of Major. Gale went on to become the Director of Plans and Operations at the Army facility Dugway Proving Grounds, where he worked for 27 years until his retirement. He loved working there with some of the best people on Earth. Gale was a proud supporter of Dugway High School Basketball and his friend (and their coach), George Bruce. Gale is survived by his only son James Chapin (Kimberly), honorary son Grady Orr, and his grandchildren Kallie Bug Jones, and Caeleb Chapin. His dog Bella was his faithful companion who stayed by his side until the end. We are grateful to the condominium community where he has lived for the that year and acknowledge all that they did to welcome him. We would also like to extend our gratitude for the love and professional care he received at Avalon Care Centering Bountiful Utah, the staff made his last few weeks pleasant. A special mention of thanks to Bart in the PT department for keeping him going and for giving him something to look forward to.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Best Friends Animal Society https://support.bestfriends.org.
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