Poppa Gale

No two days are ever the same at the Funeral Home. Throughout the course of a year, we engage in numerous conversations with people about their loved ones. We hear countless life stories – the good times, the bad times, and everything in between. Each life is so incredibly unique, and as funeral directors, we have the pleasure of witnessing the special ways their surviving families choose to honour them.

Recently I had the privilege to meet with the family of Fred “Poppa” Gale. Fred was not only a father to his kids, but a father-figure to many people in the community – some of which had no father of their own. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and would often have many in the neighbourhood over to work on bikes and mentor them in his own way.

Fred’s pride and joy was his 1966 Triumph Bonneville motorcycle. His sons shared his passion for motorcycles, and to honour their father’s memory, they converted an oil tank from a 1967 Triumph Bonneville into an urn for him. But this labour of love did not stop with his family. The community reached out as well. The bodywork and paint job were generously provided by “Painted by Dave” in Blenheim. The freehand artwork was the handiwork of Dave Willick.

I am witness to many creative tapestries from day to day, memories interwoven with loving acts and stories, binding stronger memories for the future. This urn is a masterpiece and it only felt fitting to share.