ZALE KEENAN ROCKEL August 20, 1968 – October 1, 2012. We the families of Zale Rockel (Beans, Unca, Big Guy) are deeply saddened to announce his sudden unexpected death due to heart complications on October 1st, 2012 in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Words cannot express all that Zale meant to so many and the void that remains with his passing, but none greater than that to his two shining stars, his daughter Brianna (Tiffany) and son Cody. Zale also leaves to mourn his Mom (Grandma) and Dad (Steamer). Zale is survived by his sisters Lorelie (Dave); Kelly (Ross); Ronalda (Wayne) and numerous nieces and nephews. Also left to miss his exuberance and laughter are his very special Auntie Lee and Uncle Bob along with Uncle Keith and Aunt Evelyn.
Although Zale leaves us, his family and friends, saddened and longing for his company, our hearts are lifted knowing he joins his brothers, Keith and Ray and his beloved Bebo along with his grandparents, aunts and uncles and buddies who left before him. Special mention goes out to Zale's extended Chilliwack family and especially to Clayton Eheler, Zale's buddy and soul brother. Your ongoing loyalty and friendship to Zale and kindness and concern for family will not be forgotten. Those whose life Zale touched will remember and reflect upon his larger than life personality, his generosity and kindness and never ending sense of humour. Anyone fortunate enough to have received a hug from Zale know that his hugs, embody the phrase “bear hug”. Zale took great pride in being his own person and living life, his own way; Get R done!
To say that Zale will be missed is an understatement; our lives without him will never be the same. A Celebration of Life for Zale will be held Saturday, October 13th at the Yale First Nations Band office at 1 pm. Luncheon to follow at the Yale Community Centre ( old Yale School). Zale was a casual laid back guy who appreciated a great saying on a tee shirt and enjoyed being comfortable; please feel free to dress casual.
As the moon lingers a moment over the bitterroots, before it’s descent into the invisible, my mind is filled with song. I find I am humming softly; not to the music, but something else; some place else; a place remembered; a field of grass where no one seemed to have been; except a deer; and the memory is strengthened by the feeling of you. (A River Runs Through It)