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Gale Richendrfer

1953 - 2025

Gale Richendrfer obituary, 1953-2025, Bellingham, WA

BORN

1953

DIED

2025

Gale Richendrfer Obituary

Gale Oswin Richendrfer passed away on August 27, 2025, after a brief hospital stay. Born June 20,1953, he was a lifelong resident of Bellingham. Gale attended Bellingham public schools and graduated from Sehome High School. He loved sports; he grew up playing little league baseball and also swimming at Bloedel Donovan Park. In his early 20's Gale participated as a swimmer in the Bellingham Special Olympics. He was an avid baseball, basketball and football fan and enjoyed attending local games and watching professional sports on television.

If you frequented the Lakeway Freddy's, you would often see Gale in the dining area. Time after time, he made teasing attempts to make acquaintances laugh. A first class rider of WTA, he was the one to call to get an accurate bus schedule. He would most likely have remembered your name and birthday from years prior.

Gale was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Collene Richendrfer of Bellingham and his brother Skye Richendrfer of Mount Vernon. He is survived by his sisters Heather Richendrfer of Bellingham and Devon Hoffman of Everson; sister-in-law Sally Richendrfer, nieces Bristol and Brielle Hoffman, nephews Ross and Jordie Richendrfer, and his good friend Melissa.

His niece Brielle was a tremendous advocate for him later in life and is recognized for her contribution to his care and well-being.

No public service is planned. We ask that you remember Gale when local weather is a topic; he loved to talk about the weather.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald from Aug. 30 to Sep. 7, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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14 Entries

michael gillis

September 1, 2025

gale was an example of how Bellingham used to be--i knew gale for over 50 years, we met playing basketball at bloedel-donovan--i knew where he lived and grew -up--and over those 50 years at freddy's/bus stops/on the street and the last time I saw him, crossing the street with his walker by yeagers--we always greeted each other as friends -- I watched him go thru his various struggles as time went on, his spirits stayed up and was always willing to talk sports--i am thankful I knew gale and appreciate him as a human being and as a part of Bellingham now gone as well--i hope he is peaceful and happy in his new home--michael gillis

Brielle Hoffman

September 1, 2025

My uncle Gale passed away last week, and today is my dog Rusko´s birthday. Gale had a gift for making me laugh until I was doubled over in stitches, and Rusko, in his own way, always carried that same lighthearted joy. Together they could be a riot at times and were great friends. I take comfort in imagining them together now-Gale with his jokes, Rusko with his wagging tail-still spreading love and laughter in their own way. It´s a reminder that love never disappears; it simply finds a new place to live.

Single Memorial Tree

Cheryl Buchan

Planted Trees

Rosalie Warden Nast

September 1, 2025

Gale was much loved by his friends and acquaintances. Starting in the late 50's, our families were connected through church and other activities. When my husband and I retired in Bellingham, I would enjoy talking with Gale , he always had a smile and good word for all. He will be missed.

Daniel Collins

August 31, 2025

Dale was always smiling and freindly.

Matthew C Goering

August 31, 2025

Gale will be missed. He was a good person and I looked forward to seeing him every day at the store. My condolences to his family.

Jeffery Peterson

August 31, 2025

I worked with Gale in various recreation programs over the years. Gale was a great guy, always quick to greet you. Always in typical Gale fashion, weather and sports were the topic of conversation. Gale would always be comparing the lake effect snow in Buffalo NY. to our 3 feet of snow we had in 1996. I will miss running into you at Freddy´s. Rest well Gale.

Gloria (Pagels) Irwin

August 31, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Gale's passing. We grew up together at First Presbyterian Church and he was always such a joy to be around. He always made me smile.

Michele Zlotek

August 31, 2025

I am so sorry to hear Gale passed ! I just saw him a week or so ago at Freddys. We always enjoyed a quick chat, usually about our common interest...WTA:) He was such a sweet man, who aways had a smile for me.
Rest in Peace Gale.

Connie Malone Longanecker

August 31, 2025

Gale was such a lovely person. Always so friendly and kind. Definitely appreciated his sense of humor..his presence at Freds will be missed very much!

Jaylene Visser

August 31, 2025

Gale was, in deed, a fixture at Fred Meyer, always stopping to converse with me. He will be missed. So sorry for your, and our loss.

Bev Wark

August 31, 2025

A very kind man. He always greeted me with a smile.
Rest in peace Gale

Laurie Tonon

August 30, 2025

Gale was always so kind when I ran into him at Freddy´s. He always had something nice to say. Rest in peace.

Jim Higbee

August 30, 2025

I met Gale when he was a student at Sehome High School. He was always at the sport events and served as the Manager of the basketball team. When Gale graduated I often met him in the community while walking or shopping. He always remembered me and my name. We always talked and shared experiences. He was more than a past student; he became a friend. While I no longer live in Bellingham I will always remember Gale and miss him.

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