CHRELE Gale B. Feick
Gale B. Feick, like many of us older veterans, began WWI as a farm boy. He was born in Grafton, North Dakota and worked the family farm until the age of 18, when he joined the Coast Guard and went to Radio School in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where he met his bride, Kay, age 17. Soon after he and Kay married he shipped out on an old Army FS boat, later called an FP. He made all of the campaigns from the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and westward through the islands to the Philippines. During these campaigns he made the transition from farm stories to sea stories. His father encouraged him to stay with the Coast Guard and he retired as a W-4 after 32 years of service. After WWII he and his family toured the world and the States, and had one tour in Bermuda.
Gale and I were shipmates aboard USCGC Winnebago and became fast friends. We followed each other around through the Districts. My fondest memories were the visits to Gales home and visiting with Kay and their children,Jimmy and Kathy Jo. After burnng up the highways on our Harleys, we would come home to one of Kay's incredibledinners. In later years Gale and Jimmy would explore the countryside on their Harleys. We were all 'hog' men.
He did not stay retired for long. in 1974 he took a job driving a bus for the Orange County Transit System, and then for a private tour bus company for about 17 years. He was a great favorite with the tour bus passengers and they would ask for him to make their tours. He finall retired when he developed health problems, including several cancers and diabetes, and also had both knees replaced. Gale was tough, with a double-f.
Befores his passing on July 13, 2008 from a cruel lymphoma I spoke with once a week or so from my home in Waco, Texas. Today, I speak with Kay at every opportunity. Kay shares his toughness of character and was a loving care-giver.
Underway memorial services were conducted for the family aboard USCGC Narwhal, for which the family was most honored and appreciative.
I miss you G.B. 73s and fair winds.
Submitted by: LT James J. Leftwich, USCG (Ret)
10/06/08 Submitted by: 
James J. Leftwich
