Ernest Gale Reynolds passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, Sept. 23. He was born in Salt Lake City on Oct. 23, 1941, to Claudius L. Reynolds and Della Pearl Tapp Reynolds. He grew up in the Lost River Valley of Idaho on a farm with his older brother, LaRon, and younger sister, Mary Lou.
He loved the outdoors, riding horses, fishing, hunting and participating in sports — especially basketball, football and baseball with cousins, uncles and friends.
Gale attended Butte County schools in Moore and Arco, Idaho. He graduated from Butte County High School in Arco, Idaho, with the class of 1959. He was active in sports, student government, and choir. He always had an appreciation and respect for his choir teacher, Mr. Rodney Ross Romney.
After graduation from high school, Gale went on to graduate from Ricks College and Utah State University with associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in education. He also attended and enjoyed summer school in Oregon and Montana. He taught 37 years in public elementary schools in Idaho and Wyoming, with some coaching of basketball and football.
Gale married Linda Steele from Leadore, Idaho, in October of 1963. Together they had four beautiful children he loved and of whom he was so proud. He often thought the two most important things he got right in his life were his family and being an educator. Gale and Linda later divorced.
After retirement, Gale enjoyed riding horses when possible, fishing with family and friends, picnics, showing pictures of his two grandchildren, and spending time with his special friend Norine Garner.
Gale was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his children: April M. Reynolds (Darian), Codie L. Greene (Rob), Greyson G. Reynolds (Shannon) — all of Salt Lake City — and Kristi Reynolds of Evanston; grandchildren Ethan and Isabelle Reynolds of Salt Lake City.
He is also survived by brother, LaRon; and wife, Peggy; sister, Mary Lou Bogart and husband Billy; many cousins, nieces and nephews.
At his request, a private family graveside service will be held at Lost River Cemetery in Moore, Idaho, on Oct. 4.
Also, at his request a private family outdoor activity in his remembrance will be held at a later date in the mountains by a stream he loved to fish. Someone land a lunker for him!
The family would like to thank David Welling for his kindness and looking after our dad. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to Clark Elementary School (home of the Mustangs!), where Gale spent most of his teaching career.
