Gale Allen Tucker

In Loving Memory of Gale Allen Tucker 

Gale Allen Tucker was called to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Gale was born on August 29, 1946, in Ahtanum, Washington toDoyle Tucker and Virginia Reich. He and his twin brother Dale were born prematurely……andalthough Gale was the only one who survived, he faced lifelong challenges due to complications from birth. Throughout his life Gale never let those challenges define him. Instead, he lived a fulland happy life surrounded by love ones from his family, friends, and the West Valley community.

Gale was raised alongside his younger brother Jim and attended West Valley Schools in Yakima, WA, graduating in 1966. He spent many years living with his grandmother Katy(Gohl)Reich, in Ahtanum until her passing in 1980. Gale then lived with his mother Virginia Holmesand stepfather Thomas Holmes where his brother Jim Tucker and Jim’s sons, Cary and Jamiealso grew up with him. If you lived in the West Valley area you knew who Gale Tucker was. He was a familiar and beloved presence throughout the community known for riding his bike everywhere……..heading to sporting events, the grocery store or to hang out with anyone thatwould throw a ball for him. After his mother’s passing in 2001, Gale’s nephew Jamie Tucker and niece Tabitha moved into his family home so Gale could remain in the community he loved sodeeply. Together, they raised their children Chase and Gage with Gale playing an active role intheir lives. Gale treasured this new generation of family and enjoyed spen ding time with themcamping, fishing, boating, and gathering for family events. Gale also cherished time with hisnephew Cary Tucker and niece Shannon, who lived in Kettle Falls with their children Trey, Jordyn, and Peyton. Gale looked forward to their visits back to Yakima and even more lovedmaking the trips to visit them creating special memories together. Family meant everything toGale. His favorite title was “World’s Greatest Uncle” and he fulfilled that promise beyondmeasure not only to his blood relatives but to countless others who knew him. He often said, “Ican’t have kids of my own……I was born this way……I’m just going to be the best UNCLEever”! If any of the kids or their friends would call him Gale he would remind them saying “its UNCLE to you” lol and it just stuck and he became UNCLE to everyone! As years went on,circumstances changed and Gale was cared for by his niece, Tabitha Tucker. With her unwavering care and support, he got to con tinue to live in WV surrounded by family and friends.He also adored and helped raise Travis Lamb and Tabitha’s daughters, Izabella and Adelynn,whom he was very close to and loved very dearly. He loved going out to watch the Pepsi Pakswhich Travis would always make sure to get him to. He was so proud that Bob Lamb was theirannouncer and that he got to call him family to everyone at the field. Bob spoiled him at all thosegames and he always came home so happy. Gale played in the Special Olympics for both T-balland Bowling. He was a proud member of the T-ball team “Hollie’s Hitters” and he helped leadthe team to winning the 2014 Special Olympics State Championship—a moment that filled himwith immense pride. He would always say “we won that game because I was playing 1st base”…….Lol he was so proud of that team. He also never missed a opportunity to watch his great nieces & nephews play football, wrestling, basketball, competitive cheer, volleyball, trackan and cross country. He rarely missed a sporting event for WVHS being their most loyal supporter…….he could always be heard cheering loudly from the sidelines or the stands and ifthe play didn’t go his way WATCH OUT because you would hear him “it was always the ball or the refs fault” lol. At the Homecoming Game years ago his devotion to WV sports earned him alifetime free pass to all home games and they honored him with his very own letterman’s jacket proudly bearing his name on it……and he wore that jacket with absolute Ram Pride. West Valleys best fan is what he was and to many he became known as the WEST VALLEY LEGEND. 

Gale had a remarkable gift for connecting with others. Within minutes of meeting someone he would learn their name, remember their story and accomplishments……greetingthem with a big smile and genuine excitement. If you played sports for WV he almost alwayswould know your name, your stats and the year you accomplished them and from that momenton you were considered his friend. Gale was one of the kindest, most innocent souls—seeingonly the good in others and finding joy in life’s simplest moments. His laughter was contagious,his smile unforgettable, and his gratitude unwavering. Gale made everyone around him feelvalued and loved and it was impossible to be in his presence without chuckling or laughingab out something he would say or do. He was truly a gift to all who knew him.

 A very specialplace in Gale’s heart was held by Frank Davis and his family. Words cannot express howgrateful the family is for the love they showed Gale. They adored him, spoiled him as he deserved and included him in countless family gatherings. They took him on memorable trips towatch the Mariners and Seahawks play and regularly to watch our very own Yakima Pippins. Healways got to come home with every souvenir he wanted being so excited to show off what hehad gotten. He was given experiences he may never have had if not for these special people inhis life. 

Gale was preceded in death by his father, Doyle Tucker; his mother, Virginia Holmes; hisstepfather, Thomas Holmes; his brother, Jimmy Dean Tucker; and his twin brother, Dale Tucker. 

He is survived by his nephews Cary Tucker (Shannon), Jamie Tucker (Heather); his niecesTabitha Tucker and Lisa Holeton; his great-nieces and nephews Trey Tucker, Chase Tucker(Millie Bridgham) Jordyn Cesar (Eric), Gage Tucker, Peyton Tucker, Izabella Lamb, AdelynnLamb, Khaylie Holeton (Dylan Withrow), Braiden Holeton, and Wyatt Holeton; and his greatgreat-nephews August Cesar and Clay Withrow. He is also survived by his uncle Don Tucker(Kelly); his cousins Scott Taylor and Teri Lynne Miller; his blended family’s Gary and CarmenSlagg, Doug and Tracey Hay; Travis Lamb and his family Bob & Betty Lamb, Rick & Teri Walsh,Brady Lamb, Brandon Lamb and Mikaela(Brent) Wyatt and his dear friends Frank & SharonDavis and their family.

 A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on February 19, 2026, atWiley Union Church in Wiley City, with a reception to follow. In honor of Gale’s lifelong love for West Valley sports, attendees are encouraged to wear WV attire, Seahawks or Mariners apparelto the service. Let us show him his love for WV and his favorite sports teams on his special lastday. 

A live stream of the service will be available for those who cannot come to the service atWiley Union Church - Media (https://wileyunionchurch.com/media). Family and close friends willgather earlier to lay Gale to rest at Tahoma Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. prior to the service.