Tristan Molina Gale, M.D.

Dr. Tristan Molina Gale, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, peacefully passed away early in the morning June 11, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in the town of Bolinao, Pangasinan, Philippines, Tristan leaves behind his legacy as a proud Filipino who carried his roots with dignity and honor throughout his life. Tristan’s Parents were Anastacio de Vera Gale, M.D. and Ricarda Molina Gale. He lived his life with intention built on integrity with a generous heart, social spirit and deep love for his family, friends and community.

In 1960, Tristan graduated from Far Eastern University School of Medicine in the Philippines. Soon thereafter, he married Daci, his beloved wife of 64 years. In 1962, after successfully challenging the United States Medical Board Exam, Tristan’s journey led him and Daci to immigrate to New York City in the United States of America. Settling in a land of new opportunities Tristan completed a Residency in Radiology at New York University. His courage to pursue new opportunities and someday build a family was a testament to his determination and resilience. As an accomplished Radiologist he remained humble and unpretentious, never flaunting his achievements. He flourished as he took on a dual role at The West Virginia University School of Medicine, where he was an Associate Professor and Radiologist. Tristan then worked for a private practice in Meadville Pennsylvania before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He enlisted as a rank of Major, stationed in Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth Texas. Eventually, Tristan and his family transferred to Victorville, California where he served most of his military career at George Air Force Base. During his distinguished military career, Tristan earned the rank title as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served in Korea, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as well as serving in the Gulf War. His tours enabled him to learn how to speak Korean and Spanish languages among the locals.

After completing 25 years of service with The United States Air Force, Tristan retired in 1997. He continued to keep active by working as a cruise ship MD on Carnival Cruises. While working and cruising was fun and exciting, Tristan decided to take a break and spend more time with Daci and the grandkids. Due to reassignments of MD’s to the Middle East many vacancies in the Radiology Specialty existed and the USAF would frequently request Tristan’s services as support. While he didn’t act immediately, he eventually moved forward to try it out. Tristan temporarily took on a Radiologist position for the USAF as a civilian at Fort Drum in Watertown, New York. What started out as a few months here and there, turn out to be a few enjoyable years. After completing his time in Watertown, Tristan returned to Victorville where he was eager to devote his time to the local community. He worked as a teleradiologist, while serving as a Physician at a skilled nursing facility in Barstow, California. He always shared how he cherished spending time with the facility’s residents because his jokes would make them smile. Tristan’s post-retirement life was a testament to his commitment to giving back and making an impact on all who needed him.

Outside of Tristan’s medical career, he embraced life joys by living life to the fullest. He spent all his free time with his family. He loved going to church on Sunday’s and traveling the world with Daci. He shared his love for tennis while keeping up on the courts with his children and enjoyed taking them on long car rides to see the countrysides of America. His hobbies included learning how to play guitar, the accordion, and public speaking. He even took voice lessons to enhance his karaoke skills. He was a member of the Porsche Club of America where he took his Porsche 911S Targa on a track in Ohio. He made sure to make time with his Kababyan’s by being an active member of The Philippine-American Association of the High Desert as well as the Bolinao Association of Southern California. Through the decades, his active membership brought him continued connections with his hometown in the Philippines and newfound friends in America where he could dance the Tango and Cha-Cha with Daci at every banquet. Lastly, Tristan proudly enjoyed watching each one of his grandchildren grow up. When the kids were old enough to understand, he told all kinds of stories of his life events even sharing his favorite past time with them…cockfighting! Tristan’s grandchildren brought him so much joy that when they would share all their lifelong accomplishments, he realized “The Gale Spirit” was in them too! Having passed on the goals of Lifelong Learning and family, he rests peacefully knowing that his job as “Lolo” was “A Mission Accomplished!”

Tristan will be missed but remembered for his quiet strength, his enduring love for family, his cultural pride and wisdom he so generously shared. May he Rest in Peace.

Tristan is survived by his beloved wife Daci; his first son Lyndon and his wife Caroline, along with their daughters Mariah and Lanna; his daughter Christine, her husband James and their children Jake, Kobe and Kaia: his son Tristan Jr, his wife Linh; their children Ezra, Seth and Guinevere.

Tristan’s siblings: Adelito Gale, M.D., Cleofe Gale-Lee, Enid Gale-Ponce, Leah Gale-Ascuncion, Elmer Gale, Vera Gale-Yulo.