Long-Term Expat American Brian Gale Passes Away

原创 Michael Wester theBeijinger

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Brian Bodecker Gale, whom many long-timers will remember from his Networking Club as well as his short-lived Shuangjing venue Hidden Lounge from a decade ago, passed away last night at Beijing United Family Hospital after a battle with cancer.

A Beijing resident since 2004, Gale was known as a consummate connector. His Network Club was a social organization that held regular networking parties from 2004 to 2011. He also was a frequent actor in Chinese films and television shows.

Gale had no family in Beijing to assist with his final weeks, but the Beijing community stepped up to help, raising money for palliative care and arranging to get him the attention he needed during a tough time when COVID-19 meant options were limited.

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A WeChat group of over 100 formed to offer assistance where they could, and an amazing number of people and organizations helped, from friends and individuals who barely know Gale to organizations large and small that donated meals and medical services.

Friends remember him as a jovial personality that had a generous spirit.

Gale was born on June 27, 1961 in Winter Park, Florida to John Lawrence Gale and Tina Cleveland Platt. He attended Lake Highland Preparatory School and later Trinity Preparatory School near Orlando. Prior to moving to Beijing in 2004 he lived for four years in Dublin, Ireland.

He is survived by a sister, Kathleen McBroom, of Los Angeles.

Gale’s situation is a wake-up call to many expats who live in China without an adequate social safety net. Click the link for tips on lining up health insurance for those that aren’t already insured.