While writing this small message regarding such a giant man among men, Mr. Gale E. Johnson, I somehow feel as if Gale's sitting at my side as he did when first teaching me how to host our IBC's first national three-cushion billiards tournament over thirty years ago.
Gale Johnson was a man who small boy's admired and dreamed of one day becoming, and men in the winter of their lives, wished they had become. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Never daunted by doubt of his actions, and never taking from society. Only, and in large measure, giving to it; his genuine warmth of friendship, words of wisdom, personal support, encouragement, and endless hours of dedication to his rebuilding America's sport of three-cushion billiards back to its glory years. To what it once was when for a chance to compete with other champions it's hero's traveled by horseback, and heard the bellowing cries of steam whistles as they'd transverse the oceans by stream-powered ocean-liners.
These few mentioned words of remembrance are only a bleep of what should be said about such a man as Gale, and be well advised, they're only my first, and scarcely my last. But at this time the Johnson family asked that the following obituary be passed along to Gale's friends in the world of American billiards.
In loving memory of Mr. Gale E. Johnson, let us pray,
Jim Parker, President
The Illinois Billiard Club
Gale E. Johnson during the IBC's 1976 national tribute to America's greatest billiards promoter; the "Gale Johnson Open." The first of many to follow national three-cushion billiards tournament hosted in Gale's honor.
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Gale E. Johnson, 89, of Elgin, passed away Saturday, December 18, 2004, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was born March 16, 1915, in Chicago, IL, the son of Axel and Elsie ( Alafassar)Johnson. He graduated from Senn High School in Chicago and first worked as a lifeguard for the Edgewater Beach Hotel. On February 14, 1942, he married Elise Jane Greene of Evanston, a union that was rock solid for 56 years. As a member of the Army Air Corps and our “Greatest Generation”, he served in Europe during World War II.
Gale was a salesman for Heatilator Fireplace Co. and Dur-O-Wal, Inc. construction supplies. He was a faithful member of the Elgin Moose Lodge for over 50 years where his love and passion for the game of 3-Cushion billiards was second only to family, because that came first. He was a member of the American Legion, Eagles, and Elks, over the years. Gale served as the Secretary/Treasure of the American Billiards Association during the 70’s and 80’s. He was among the original homeowners of the groundbreaking Sunset Park subdivision after WW II where he and his wife raised their family and made many lifelong friends. On a copper plated mantle over the fireplace that he built, Gale had engraved the words “ Be Happy, Be Warm” which became his Motto for life. Gale’s passion for travel, a good book and making the most out of everyday could never be quenched. His kindness, encouragement, sound advice and words of wisdom will comfort and guide all those who loved and will miss him.
Gale is survived by his daughter Carolyn (Robert) Helper of Chino, CA., son David (Terri Lynn) of Elgin and six grandchildren, Kerry (William) Van Der Poel of Visalia Ca. David II of Elgin, Jennifer (David) Wagner of Chino Hills, Ca, Shannon (John) Dillon of Wonder Lake, Justin Cormier and Tricia Piening of Elgin, eight great-grandchildren Geneva, William, Madelyn, Bailey, Hannah, Holly, Colton, Emma and a loving group of nieces and nephews.
His wife, Elise, sister Virginia, and son Kenneth Paul preceded him in death.
Private services will be held. Burial will be private in River Valley Memorial Gardens, West Dundee. In lieu of flowers contributions in his name may be made to The Friends of Gail Borden Public Library at 270 N. Grove Ave. Elgin, IL. 60120 or to the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 799 at 70 N. State St. Elgin, IL. 60123.
Arrangements were made by Wait, Ross, Allanson Funeral Home, Elgin.
Gale Johnson was a man who small boy's admired and dreamed of one day becoming, and men in the winter of their lives, wished they had become. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Never daunted by doubt of his actions, and never taking from society. Only, and in large measure, giving to it; his genuine warmth of friendship, words of wisdom, personal support, encouragement, and endless hours of dedication to his rebuilding America's sport of three-cushion billiards back to its glory years. To what it once was when for a chance to compete with other champions it's hero's traveled by horseback, and heard the bellowing cries of steam whistles as they'd transverse the oceans by stream-powered ocean-liners.
These few mentioned words of remembrance are only a bleep of what should be said about such a man as Gale, and be well advised, they're only my first, and scarcely my last. But at this time the Johnson family asked that the following obituary be passed along to Gale's friends in the world of American billiards.
In loving memory of Mr. Gale E. Johnson, let us pray,
Jim Parker, President
The Illinois Billiard Club
Gale E. Johnson during the IBC's 1976 national tribute to America's greatest billiards promoter; the "Gale Johnson Open." The first of many to follow national three-cushion billiards tournament hosted in Gale's honor.
_________________________________________
Gale E. Johnson, 89, of Elgin, passed away Saturday, December 18, 2004, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was born March 16, 1915, in Chicago, IL, the son of Axel and Elsie ( Alafassar)Johnson. He graduated from Senn High School in Chicago and first worked as a lifeguard for the Edgewater Beach Hotel. On February 14, 1942, he married Elise Jane Greene of Evanston, a union that was rock solid for 56 years. As a member of the Army Air Corps and our “Greatest Generation”, he served in Europe during World War II.
Gale was a salesman for Heatilator Fireplace Co. and Dur-O-Wal, Inc. construction supplies. He was a faithful member of the Elgin Moose Lodge for over 50 years where his love and passion for the game of 3-Cushion billiards was second only to family, because that came first. He was a member of the American Legion, Eagles, and Elks, over the years. Gale served as the Secretary/Treasure of the American Billiards Association during the 70’s and 80’s. He was among the original homeowners of the groundbreaking Sunset Park subdivision after WW II where he and his wife raised their family and made many lifelong friends. On a copper plated mantle over the fireplace that he built, Gale had engraved the words “ Be Happy, Be Warm” which became his Motto for life. Gale’s passion for travel, a good book and making the most out of everyday could never be quenched. His kindness, encouragement, sound advice and words of wisdom will comfort and guide all those who loved and will miss him.
Gale is survived by his daughter Carolyn (Robert) Helper of Chino, CA., son David (Terri Lynn) of Elgin and six grandchildren, Kerry (William) Van Der Poel of Visalia Ca. David II of Elgin, Jennifer (David) Wagner of Chino Hills, Ca, Shannon (John) Dillon of Wonder Lake, Justin Cormier and Tricia Piening of Elgin, eight great-grandchildren Geneva, William, Madelyn, Bailey, Hannah, Holly, Colton, Emma and a loving group of nieces and nephews.
His wife, Elise, sister Virginia, and son Kenneth Paul preceded him in death.
Private services will be held. Burial will be private in River Valley Memorial Gardens, West Dundee. In lieu of flowers contributions in his name may be made to The Friends of Gail Borden Public Library at 270 N. Grove Ave. Elgin, IL. 60120 or to the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 799 at 70 N. State St. Elgin, IL. 60123.
Arrangements were made by Wait, Ross, Allanson Funeral Home, Elgin.