Gale W. Welsh, age 80, of Hesperia passed away on Thursday, June 3, 2010, at Lakeshore Community Hospital in Shelby. Gale was born on March 26, 1930, in Fremont to James and Lethel Ethel (Dow) Welsh and married Barbara Kushmaul on January 4, 1949 in Hart. In his younger years, he along with his friends, started the Klondyke Rodeo and was active in rodeo events in the area. Gale was a member of the Hesperia Presbyterian Church, life member of Hesperia Arcana Masonic Lodge #346, and was active in the White River Snow Trackers. Gale enjoyed hunting, camping, snowmobiling, and spending time with his family and friends. Gale is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara of Hesperia; children, Marjorie Brake of Lansing, Gail Lynn (Don Mangold) Welsh of Baldwin, Kay Brandt of Muskegon, Randy (Brenda) Welsh of Hesperia, Bob (Mary) Welsh of Hesperia, Roger (Joyce) Welsh of Cadillac, and Barbie (Brian) Steinmacher of Bellaire; 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Tibbe of Coppersville; brother Bob (Sandy) Welsh of Irons; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Waive Kraft; brothers, Bill Welsh, Leon Welsh, and Glen Dow; brother-in-law, Gerald Tibbe; and son-in-law, Gary Brandt. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 6, from 5 - 8 PM at the Crandell Funeral Home in Fremont. Memorial services will held at 11 AM on Monday at the Hesperia Presbyterian Church. For a more lasting memorial, the family asks that contributions be made out to the Hesperia Presbyterian church or American Heart Association. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill & Diane (Aurich) Cusick Posted 6/4/2010 Mine and my extended family's thoughts and prayers are with you Joyce (Parmer) Gardner Posted 6/5/2010 I will never forget Gale. Growing up as a kid and spending numerous weekends camping and watching Gale always "stoke" the campfire beyond new heights and to always hear his laughter and see his smile will greatly be missed. He was a great man and I will always remember him. I'm sorry for the families loss, just know that he will always be missed and never be forgotten! Rodney Irons Posted 6/7/2010 Barb, Randy & boys, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Gale was always so good to our family. I know he holds a special place in my Moms heart. He will always be remembered as being a wonderful soul. Our love & support are being sent your way. The Brickeys Posted 6/11/2010