Douglas Gale 'D.G.' Henriksen, M.D., 69

"Sorrow accompanies the death" on July 29, 2008, of Douglas Gale Henriksen, but the memories and joys are immeasurable. Gale was born July 15, 1939, in Pomeroy, Wash., to Ralph and Peggy Henriksen.

The youngest of four children, Gale spent his childhood years in Spokane. He attended West Valley High School, where he excelled in basketball, baseball and football. During his senior year, he was selected for first team all-city basketball. He had the privilege of having Judd Heathcote as a coach, who became a great friend and mentor.

He was awarded a scholarship and went on to play basketball for the Griz at the University of Montana and received his Bachelor of Science degree. During that time he met Patricia Maher, whom he married in 1961. He moved on to the University of Wisconsin, obtaining his Master of Science degree in 1963. He also attended the University of South Dakota Medical School to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree, and taught anatomy from 1963 to 1965. He finished his medical training at The University of Colorado in 1967, and completed his internship at David Grant USAF Hospital in 1968.

After joining the Air Force he was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska. He earned the rank of major and received an accommodation medal for outstanding flight surgeon in 1971.

After leaving the service, he established his medical practice in St. Maries, Idaho, where he had an active role in the clinic and hospital. In addition to serving as the director of the St. Joe Valley Clinic, Gale was also the chairman of the Kootenai-Benewah Medical Society, and the chairman of public relations for the Idaho Cancer Society. He was also an active member of the Idaho Medical Association.

Gale retired in 1994 because of cardiac problems and a CVA. At that time he moved to (as he put it, "the greatest place on Earth") Flathead Lake in Polson. While residing there he enjoyed woodworking, pottery, basket weaving, golfing, boating and the pure beauty of Montana. He also enjoyed many travels, with the island of Maui being his favorite. Gale's inspirations will live on through the many lives he has touched over the years.

Gale was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Patricia Henriksen, in 2003; and a brother, Ron Henriksen.

He is survived by his four children, Jenifer Mitchell, Craig Henriksen, Monica and Randy Nilsson, and Clint and Nicole Henriksen; eight grandchildren; his brother, Jerry Henriksen; sister, Kay Cook; and numerous nieces and nephews.

We will be celebrating his life at a memorial service at 11 a.m. Aug. 9, at Real Life Ministries, 1866 Cecil Road, in Post Falls, Idaho. The service will be at the RLM1 building. A reception will be after the memorial service.

Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to Better Care of Benewah Community Hospital, 229 S. Eighth St., St. Maries, ID 83861.

Please sign D.G.'s guest registry and view the online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.