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Douglas Gale Obituary
Doug was a pioneer in the development of the Internet. From his start as a physics professor, he later helped turn what was little more than a connection between a few universities into the Internet as we know it today. Working with the National Science Foundation and as a Chief Information Officer at a number of universities, he was influential in the rapid growth of this world-changing technology.
Following their retirement to Big Sky, Montana, Doug and Henrietta became models for community-engaged retirees. Doug served on the boards of the Big Sky Fire Department, the Arts Council of Big Sky and Intermountain Opera Bozeman. They also helped establish the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center and raised money for the school music program in Big Sky. In order to record and preserve a written and oral history of the Internet's formative period, Doug founded the Internet Legacy Institute.
Throughout his life, Doug applied a unique combination of creativity and meticulousness to both his career and his many hobbies, including outdoor adventures, ballroom dancing, woodworking, photography and storytelling. He shared these passions with those he loved. Doug climbed mountains with Henrietta (including a number of first ascents) before it was popular to climb mountains.
Doug is survived by his wife, Henrietta; his brother, Keenan; his sons, Marc (Wendy) and Eric (Erin); and five loving grandchildren, Lucy, Eve, Nate, Laila and Eliza.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Dokken-Nelson Sunset Chapel in Bozeman, Montana, at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doug's name to either the Internet Legacy Institute, 3265 Parkway Ave., Bozeman, MT 59718 or Intermountain Opera Bozeman, P.O. Box 37, Bozeman, MT 59771.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Gale
4 Entries
Dee *
June 7, 2016
My belated condolences,
I lost touch with Doug after Oarnet, which I regret. I worked for Doug at GW and couldn't have known a better person. When time would allow in our workday, Doug would emerge from his office to chat about physics and I would counter him with opera. But technology was the one thing we agreed upon in total. He shared his love of you Henrietta, telling me of how you wouldn't leave his side and helped to carry him out on a stretcher, when he'd fallen on one of your climbing expeditions. He joked of how you two compromised on the purchasing of shoes vs power tools. The two of you were warm and welcoming when you opened your home for a summertime cookout, in Bethesda, MD. Blessings and strength to the loving family of a great person. I miss him too...
Nancy Drugan Koehler
November 13, 2015
Condolences to you all! I knew Doug when I worked at OARnet, at Ohio State. May he rest in peace!
November 4, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family during this time of grief. 1 corinthians 15 : 26.
Melvyn Ciment
November 3, 2015
You brought smiles and light to all of us. Rest in Peace Dear Man.
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