Gale J Brimhall of Gilbert, Arizona passed away on November 9, 2019 at the age of 82. He and his twin were born the youngest of 13 children on August 14, 1937 to Logan and Mary Brimhall in Taylor, Arizona. Gale married Alycesun Dee Shepherd on January 2, 1960 in the Mesa Arizona Temple of the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Gale and Aly were blessed with 5 children; Jayne, Stacy, Steven, Jared and MariAlice. Gale’s beloved wife, Alycesun was stricken with cancer and died May 17, 1979. Gale later married Sherie Howell who deceased Sept. 6, 2019. Gale was also privileged to be a father to foster child Christina Arthur and two step-children, Toni and Eddy VanGelderen.
Of Gale, it can be said, “They just don’t make them like they used to.” He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father and a grandfather. Gale labored with his might, mind and strength his entire life to be a devout follower of Jesus Christ.
As a lifelong student and teacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ he consistently would study the doctrine, with a special love and passion for following the Prophets, Seers and Revelators. Every one of his posterity has been influenced by his testimony of the living prophets and finding lasting joy in keeping covenants.
Aside from Gale’s spiritual strength, he was powerfully strong physically. Anyone who worked with him or who compared his or her hands to his giant hands would understand. He was about doing and progressing.
Gale is survived by his eldest daughter Jayne (Clare) Brimhall and husband, David Clare of Salem, Utah; his son, Stacy Brimhall and wife, Parshelle of Gilbert, Arizona; his son, Steven Brimhall and wife, Wendy of Pinedale, Arizona; his son, Jared Brimhall and wife, Dawn of Gilbert, Arizona; and his daughter Marialice (Calhoun) Brimhall and husband, Craig Calhoun of McKinney, Texas; 32 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Gale will be buried next to his wife Aly at the Mesa Cemetery in Mesa, AZ.
Funeral Services are as follows:
Viewing:
Friday 11/15/19
6-8:00pm
Bunker Family Funerals
33 N Centennial Way
Mesa, AZ 85201
Funeral Services:
Saturday 11/16/19
Family Viewing – 10:00am
Service – 11:00am
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
2233 S. Wade Dr.
Gilbert, AZ 85295
Thankful for the association I have had with Gale Brimhall – the love he had for his fellowman and for me – Indeed a Giant of a Man – similar in characteristics to my own father – Go Rest High on that Mountain
Prayers to the family
Uncle Gale J was one of the absolute best men the good Lord ever made! He was a hard worker, a great example of Christlike service, and a wonderful uncle who made all feel important and loved. I will surely miss his light.
I first met Gale and Aly renting a little home behind there residence as a missionary in 1970 and being from Santa Barbara California returned to Moscow Idaho to attend college and be closer to my new friends the Brimhalls. I maintained a distant relationship with him since. Enough can’t be said in Gales behalf so I’ll end with at 71 years old and after several mini strokes, we will be together again. I have come to terms with death but the lose of family and friends is still painful. I love you my friend. I know you’re are rejoicing with those who have gone before you.
I knew Gale Brimhall as an extraordinary bishop of the Langley Singles ward in McLean, VA. Bishop Brimhall touched countless lives through his kindness, his faithful example, his wise counsel, and extraordinary spiritual gifts. He was generous with his time, his faithful piuckup truck, and his love. I’ve had many great bishops over the years, but I can’t think of another bishop who had a more positive influence on my life and the life of others than Bishop Brimhall! There is a grand reunion going on in heaven right now! Well done thou good and faithful servant!
I’m sad to hear of the passing of a great servant of the Lord. He helped me to overcome doubts and weaknesses as a relatively new member of the Church. I will always appreciate his great example, and I have no doubt that he is now joyously communing with those gone before – who have loved and missed him – as we now do.
President Brimhall is a Great man, Great example! He set me apart for my mission and also talked with me and my wife just before we were sealed together. I still remember his words of encouragement, his love for me and my future family and above all his love for the Savior. One day we will visit again my friend.
I was in the Langley Ward in McLean, VA and Bishop Brimhall was the bishop of that singles ward. He inspired so many to reach out and serve one another. Few bishops have had such a major influence for good on my life as Bishop Brimhall. I think he changed so many lives in that ward as he lovingly counseled, taught and inspired us. Several years ago as I was sitting in Sacrament in my ward in Newport Beach, Sheri and Bishop Brimhall came and sat next to my sister and me. Sheri said, “Hi, we’re the Brimhalls from Arizona”. I looked over and saw Bishop Brimhall, now with white hair, and said, “Bishop Brimhall? It’s me, Justine Davis, do you remember me?” He reached over Sheri and gave me a very big enthusiastic hug. I then had them over that evening for dinner. I will always treasure those experiences with Bishop Brimhall and feel greatly blessed that he touched my life and changed it in so many ways. I think of that powerful quote called “The Dash”. The time between our birth date and death date and what we’ve done with that time. I’m sure that Heavenly Father is pleased with Bishop Brimhall’s dash. I send my most sincere thoughts and prayers to his family. Thank you for sharing him with so many of us to bless our lives too.
I met Gale Brimhall when I became his 2nd Counselor in the first Bishopric of the then new Langley Ward in the Washington, D.C. area. I would later become his 1st Counselor, before departing for the Detroit, MI area. For several years, I was blessed by very personal association with him. We served together, closely. And, I was mentored spiritually.
Many, many years have come and gone since those days. During that time, I have been blessed to meet and, in a number of instances, become acquainted with famous and powerful men and women (in the political and business world). That has been an unexpected gift to me from Heaven. I want Gale Brimhall’s children (and grandchildren) to know that I have never met a better … a grander soul. Gale’s influence on me continues to this day. I did not learn of his “graduation” until today. Yesterday, I was surprised to find myself sharing perspectives of and stories regarding Gale Brimhall with a perfect stranger — an administrator in a local bank — who, as a single mom, seemed anxious to hear and hold on to important truths I learned from Bishop Gale Brimhall, many years ago. Gale Brimhall’s influence on this Earth continues, like a wonderfully warm ripple in a very vast sea of humanity. Surey, in his new environment, that influence with be “magnified”.
Gail and I were members of the Langley singles ward when he was the bishop. I was one of his clerks and had the opportunity to be mentored many times. I tremendously enjoyed interacting with him. I remember many of his talks and how they influenced my life, as well as Gail’s. We were honored to have him be a witness at our wedding. We were able to visit with him a few times before his passing, the last being just after his wife, Sheri (I used to call her ‘Sister Bishop’) passed through the veil. That visit re-kindled the thoughts and teachings that I received from him. He was, and still is, the Bishop that influenced my life the most. He was, and is, a stellar example of a servant of God.
I am blessed for having known and served with Gale. He exemplified love of family, love of the Savior, and love of true doctrine.
I was in the Langley Singles Ward in the McLean, Virginia many years ago when Gale was Bishop. He had a profound impact on me and the rest of the Ward members. I knew he lived by the Spirit in everything he did – in his personal life, the Ward and in his business dealings. He and Sherie were true servants of Jesus Christ and were effective ministers to every member of the Ward. I will miss knowing that he is still with us, in spite of living in a different state. Now he is enjoying a blessed reunion with all who have gone before. Thank you!
It was great reading your Dad’s many friends comments many from the Singles Ward in Mclane and Happy 80th Birthday to your beautiful Mother… Aly! She gave you all her happy cute smile and laughter.