Yuma Community Honors Wayne Gale After Unexpected Death While Hiking

Wayne David Gale, a longtime community banker and civic leader in Yuma, died unexpectedly while hiking with family on January 18, 2026, at age 69. The loss has reverberated across local banks, nonprofits, and civic organizations where Gale served as a mentor and steadying presence for more than four decades.

Gale moved to Yuma in 2007 during the financial crisis to work for Foothills Bank and later joined First Bank in January 2015. KYMA reported he served as President and CEO of Western Arizona Bancorp Inc and "co-CEO of First Bank Yuma before its acquisition by OneAZ Credit Union." Desert Valley Mortuary’s obituary describes him as "most recently serving as President & CEO of First Bank Yuma, leading the bank to receive many awards and accomplishments." Both descriptions reflect his prominent role in local community banking over more than 45 years.

Colleagues and community leaders credited Gale with stabilizing local banking and building teams. OneAZ Credit Union SVP Market President Ricardo Perez said, "But beyond his title, Wayne was a servant leader who believed that when the community thrives, everyone thrives." A longtime colleague identified only as Bostic told KYMA, "Wayne was the kind of guy that you could sit and have lunch with and talk to him and then not see him for 2 or 3 months a year and it was like you just sat and talked with him yesterday, and he had that kind of friendship...that kind of calmness. He was one of those kind of people that when you met him, you just instantly liked him."

Desert Valley Mortuary’s obituary detailed Gale’s community footprint: "He moved to Yuma in 2007 during the financial crisis, bringing stability to the banking industry and quickly becoming rooted in the community." It noted he "served on numerous local boards and service organizations, and at one point lending his leadership to as many as seven community boards" and that he "exemplified true leadership through his integrity, his commitment to doing right by others, and his compassionate heart." In 2024 Gale received the Trail to Leadership Award from Scouting Arizona, Grand Canyon Council.

Gale is survived by his wife Jeanne Gale, four children, Christina (Kyle) Welstad, David (Tiffany) Gale, Michelle (Sam) Bornfleth, and Mari Grogan, and eight grandchildren: Mylisa, Jasper, Addison, Michael, Lizzy, Lyla, Abigail, and Ian. Personal details in the obituary recalled his love of Hawaiian shirts, ice cream, homemade popcorn, Diet Coke, and reading, and described him as "an anchor and steadfast spirit for his wife, kids, and grandchildren."

Community responses posted on the Legacy.com memorial page included Julie Kaimi-Reeder on January 22, 2026: "My prayers and hugs are for his family . He will be missed by every one that knew him," and Doug Manninger on January 22, 2026: "Wayne always knew how to light up a room with that famous smile of his. You will be deeply missed kind sir. We love you Jeanne the Bean!" KYMA noted, "A service was held for him this past weekend."

Desert Valley Mortuary lists Amberley's Place in Yuma as a recipient for donations in his memory, and the Legacy memorial page includes options to dedicate a star, plant trees, send flowers, or donate to charity. For Yuma residents, Gale’s passing is more than a personal loss; it is a moment to consider leadership continuity at community institutions and the role veteran bankers play in local lending, nonprofit partnerships, and civic boards. As the community honors his legacy, nonprofit and banking leaders will be watching how successors build on Gale’s emphasis on mentorship, stability, and local service.