May 14, 1924 - October 31, 2015
Maurice (Large) Gales passed away peacefully in his Spokane home on October 31, 2015. He and his twin sister were born in Fernie, B.C. on May 14, 1924 to French immigrants Eugene and Helene Large. His father changed his name to John Gales upon moving to the U.S., and Maurice eventually changed his last name to Gales also. Maurice spent his pre-school years in Marseille, France. His family returned and settled in Spokane, where he attended school until moving to Idaho for his senior year. He graduated from Wallace High School, and then attended Gonzaga University. He obtained his degree from GU with a concentration in French language. Maurice taught French for many years in the Spokane area, both in school settings and private lessons. He cared for his mother until she passed away in 1970, and then moved to Sequim, WA to be near his brothers. A few years ago Maurice returned to Spokane to live next door to his beloved twin sister, Muriel. Muriel passed away in August, 2015; and Maurice was not to be left behind for long. “Uncle Maurie” was a man of vivid contrasts. He lived a simple, frugal life; yet he was generous with helping out a friend, or contributing to charities and his church. He was small in stature, yet he had an enormous appetite and loved food. His passion for “sampling” in the grocery stores got him in trouble more than once. His love of eating garlic cloves created a bubble of space for those around him. He took fashion cues from no one, which just added to his eccentric, but charming, personality. Maurice was a devout Catholic and a kind, caring man who delighted in visiting with friends and family. He is now joined in heaven with brothers Adolph, Henry and Louis Gales; and sisters Huberte Manfred, Muriel Dollfe, and Sue Babin. He is survived by 19 nieces and nephews, along with their families. We would like to thank all those who provided loving care to Maurice in his home, especially Mark, Mary, and David. Rosary will be held Monday, Nov. 23 at 7:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Spokane, 1104 W. Heroy. Funeral mass will follow on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 11:00am.
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