Mr. Randolph Lee Gale, 77, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at his home in Montague.  Born and raised in Howell, he was the son of the late Patricia Ann Gale (Morley) and Orto Gale, Jr.

Randy attended Ferris State College in Big Rapids, after which he entered the United States Air Force where he spent most of his duty stationed at Dover, Delaware, as an Aircraft Loadmaster. During his service in the USAF, he did actively serve in the Vietnam War. After completing his 4 years of service, he returned to Michigan to attend Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. In 1975, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication with a minor in Journalism. He continued his education while attending classes at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  Although his career would take him to many cities over the years, Randy always remained a "Die-Hard" Michigan fan.

His business career started by working as an Assistant Manager for Leslie Office Supply in 1975-1978; and then went to work as an Account Executive for Microfilms International - Xerox from 1979-1983 in Kansas City, MO. In 1984, Randy went to work for Information Handling Services based in Englewood, CO, which would take him to Cincinnati and Chicago to live while working for the company as a Regional Sales Manager in the Midwest. During his 20+ year career with IHS, Randy earned many awards for sales achievement including two Victors Club Award given annually to the company's top salesperson.  In addition, he was awarded IHS' Ortega Management Award in 1996 for outstanding performance by a General Manager for his work with the Chicago Region that included selling the first two IHS Network Systems.

Always a hard worker that set the standard high, Randy was proud to have earned the distinction of being an Eagle Scout; being named Captain of his College Cross Country Team; graduating with Honors from the USAF Technical School; and being awarded the USAF Air Medal.

Randy had the natural ability to put people at ease and seemed to always bring out the best in others. He had a unique way of making friends with people he just met due to his gift of communicating, his broad base of knowledge in history, sports and other subjects due to his world travels, and a passion for reading and research.  His wonderful sense of humor and empathy for others often made him a friend to most anyone he met.

While he enjoyed most sports, he was most avid about golf and fishing, always looking for the next course to play or lake to throw a line in.  He made great memories spending time on his boat with his dog, Ralph, as well as many friends over the years that he would invite to join them.  As a genuinely caring and charismatic guy, he immensely valued his friendships.  He loved entertaining at his home, especially after a morning on the lake and golf in the afternoon, followed by a great meal on his patio with a beverage and fellowship. Gifted with a voice for radio, Randy enjoyed sharing his talent for embellishing stories that would entertain those he was with, and typically with incredible accuracy.

In 2006, Randy moved permanently from Chicago to his Lake House in Montague, MI. It allowed him to enjoy his love for White Lake, taking the channel onto the big lake, The Old Channel Inn, the Old Channel Golf Course, and the beach along Lake Michigan on a daily basis while sharing it with friends and family every chance he got. He enjoyed sharing his favorite part of Michigan so that it may be a beautiful memory for you, too.

Randy is survived by: his dear friend and loving partner, Mary; his three sisters; nieces; nephews; and many wonderful friends.

In honor of his wishes, there will be no Funeral or Memorial Service for Randy. His final request is to have his ashes dispersed over Lake Michigan and the University of Michigan Football Stadium, which he always held close to his heart. Go Blue!

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com