This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Gale Dick, the co-founder of Save Our Canyons who died last week, showed us the meaning of citizenship. He fell in love with our backyard wilderness and worked for four decades to protect the Wasatch from thoughtless development. Gale did so by leading his little band of volunteers at Save Our Canyons, spending countless hours speaking for the community, challenging shoddy environmental impact statements that favored what he called the "rapacious" ski industry.
He unfailingly spoke up to voice his concerns. And yet he was warm and generous—mentor to two generations of conservationists who came along behind him. Gale was supportive, eloquent, ethical, and remarkably free of any need to pat himself on the back. He was also tough, willing to engage in an endless dialogue to stave off corporate greed.
No matter how weary, Gale avoided cynicism. He touched generations with his love of the Wasatch. He encouraged and inspired a wide circle of apprentices. He'll be sorely missed.
Stephen Trimble
Salt Lake City