William Anthony (Bill) Gallagher Jr., the most fortunate, blessed man you might ever want to meet, died on May 22nd at age 55.
After a long running battle with pancreatic cancer, I am headed into Chapter 3 of my life. Chapter 1 being that time that I was comfortably ensconced in my mother’s womb and Chapter 2 being my delightful life here on earth.
Chapter transitions and tragic times in our life, at the time, are fraught with trepidation, apprehension and anxiety. Imagine trying to explain to an unborn baby how life is going to be on the outside. “No thanks! I’ll stay right here where I am comfortable, thank you very much.” Truth is, life’s “chapter” and transitions, at the time I endured them, seemed disastrous, and devastating. But, looking back they ended up being avenues for blessing, good fortune and the very best things in my life.
So, unless my faith in the risen Savior Jesus Christ is sorely misplaced, I suspect that this transition, like my last one from womb to big scary beautiful world, will be viewed in retrospect with pleasant appreciation.
Take for example the calamity when I was 10. My parents’ (Bill Gallagher Sr. (deceased) and Peggy Rose) turbulent divorce, my mother’s remarriage to a step-father I didn’t appreciate, followed by my brothers’ (Neil Gallagher and Jason Coyle, Lovelock NV) and my unwilling relocation to the high desert community of Lovelock, Nevada.
But, it was there that I had the good fortune of coming under the mentorship of my son’s namesake, Pastor Buck Dikes and his family. They introduced me to a living Jesus Christ and His importance in their lives. It was there that my friend’s mother, JoAnn Meredith, committed me to her prayers and undoubtedly rendered me the beneficiary of countless life blessings. It was in Lovelock that I met and fell in love with my beautiful wife, Jennifer, of 37 years, who, after nearly four decades with me, managed to maintain her physical beauty, her sanity, and her patience. We have two children and 5 precious, above average, grandbabies; David Buckley Gallagher (Helena MT) and his son Tristan, Catrina Jean (Gallagher) Majack (Enumclaw WA) and her daughters, Grace and Anna, and sons, Caleb and Samuel.
Athletics led me to a scholarship at Western Montana College in Dillon, Montana, where I immediately fell in love with this gorgeous state and everything about her. I agree with John Steinbeck, “I have respect and admiration for other states, but with Montana its Love, and when you’re in love you just can’t explain it”.
In Dillon, my son’s other namesake, David Cypher and his family, mentored me in church and family and taught me the basics of my lifelong passion for hunting and fishing.
A degree from Western, led me to a coveted position as High School History teacher and coach in the charming little town of Plains, Montana, just west of Paradise and the confluence of the Clark Fork and Flathead rivers. There, I was mentored by Ron Rude, Bob Johnston and other fine teachers, and of course, my students. Call me a romantic, but there I fell in love yet again, with the generous people, the wild mountains, rivers and forests. I’m not sure if Plains adopted me or I adopted Plains as my Montana hometown, but after I left in ’88, I spent the rest of my life trying to find a way to get back permanently. Now, I’ve done it. You’re welcome to my graveside service at the Plains Cemetery, where we’ll celebrate my Chapter 3 homegoing at my last real estate purchase. A little tract with a gorgeous view of the western mountain cut that silently watches the setting sun and the westerly flow of the Clark Fork River.
Another “tragedy” turned blessing in my life was a foolish decision to stick my hand into a neighbor’s operating meat grinder. Although traumatic, that accident introduced me to my neighbor’s kind insurance company adjustor. I soon became their customer and eventually secured an agency with Farm Bureau Insurances. That required a move to Polson where, in addition to the insurance, I invested in several businesses, including Days Inn Hotel franchise. The insurance career led to a move to Helena where I learned to be a farmer. Because of the blessings rained on me, most decidedly from the prayers my friend’s mother and due in no small part to my wife’s commitment to tithing, we prospered and I was able to retire at the ripe young age 42. Able to do anything I pleased, I enrolled at the University of Montana Law School. That led to a highly gratifying solo practice in Helena where I especially enjoyed helping the elderly navigate an ever increasing complex business and tax world. It also led to my running for public office. I was elected to serve the people of Montana and lead the Montana Public Service Commission, where I successfully helped Montana reacquire her hydro-electric dams squandered in the 1990’s.
So, how does a man with the misfortune of dying of pancreatic cancer at 55 come to the conclusion that he’s one of the luckiest people you’ll ever know?
Well, in my theme of bad circumstances and transitions turning out to be blessings, let me explain.
First, if this damned disease had struck anybody that I loved, I would have been begging, even demanding that God take it out of their body and put it in mine. Thank you God for letting it be me.
Second, unlike my proverbial Uncle Bob, the bus driver, who died quietly in his sleep or his proverbial passengers who died screaming in terror as his bus went off the cliff, I was blessed with nearly two years heads up! Every bit of which I needed to set things right, especially torn relationships. Believe it or not, I was far from perfect. Thank you God for the time and forgiveness.
Finally, I get to avoid my fear of dying very old, confused and alone. And, as a bonus, I don’t have to watch as my beloved country flushes itself down the toilet of depravity. Thank you God for when and where I lived my life.
So, if you knew me, I thank you! My life was well lived and I’m grateful for your helping me to live it. If you didn’t know me, then you now know at heart I am a storyteller and just taught my last lesson. About the time you think your life is in the middle of tragedy, hold on, you might one day be writing your own obituary explaining how all of the bad things in your life turned into delightful blessings.
Finally, if you are wondering how I can be so confident about Chapter 3 of my life, take a quick peek at Romans 10:9. I hope I see you all again one day.
A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 28th at Last Chance Chapel, 6240 Raven Rd. in Helena. A reception will follow the funeral service at the church. A graveside service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30th at the Plains Cemetery in Plains, Montana. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Bills name to optionsfriends.org or Options Women’s Clinic on Facebook or mail to 1005 Partridge Place, Ste. 1, Helena, MT 59602. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bill.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 pm
Thursday May 28, 2015
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Rd
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Funeral Service
Thursday May 28, 2015
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Rd
Birdseye, Montana
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
2:00 pm
Thursday May 28, 2015
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Rd
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Funeral Service
Thursday May 28, 2015
Last Chance Chapel
6240 Raven Rd
Birdseye, Montana
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Dan and Gilda Clancy says
What a wonder person Bill was! Our prayers are with you Jennifer, Catrina, David and family!
Delorous and Butch Anderson says
Jennifer and family, we are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very sad time.
Delorous and Butch Anderson
Corey Patterson says
I’m so grateful to have been able to experience Bill’s personality, hospitality, generosity, sense of humor, and laughter. Bless you and love you, Jennifer, Dave, Catrina, and family.
Corey Patterson
Cleo Schultz says
Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear the news. Please know you and your family are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Cleo
Merry Lou Casteel says
So sorry for your loss Jennifer and family. Bill was certainly bigger than life, you were so blessed to have him in your life. Hugs, Merry Lou and Jack Casteel
Nick & Sharon Turner says
What a precious way to say good bye.
Grateful for Bill’s life and his public service to make our city, state and country a better place! Peace and comfort to all family and loved ones! Nick & Sharon Turner
Dawn Powell says
Mr. Gallagher was one of my favorite teachers.
He was a great history teacher and I had the
pleasure of being his Drivers Ed student as well.
He always had a great sense of humor but could
be serious when needed.
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Carl E. Olson says
May God grant him peace and eternal memory! I am so thankful that Bill’s four years of teaching in Plains coincided with my four years of high school. He was a wonderful teacher who met and crushed all the clichés: he went the extra mile, poured his heart and soul into his teachers, and pushed us to really learn. Our class (of ’87) chose him to be our commencement speaker, and he was wise and witty, as always. His witness to Jesus Christ, life, and family will not be forgotten!
Nancy McGonigal says
Bill Gallagher was my history teacher as well, and he was an original! Kind and tough at the same time, he was a true and wonderful human being. God speed, Mr. G, and may you rest peacefully in the arms of our savior.
Jared Kuykendall says
Mr. Gallagher was my history/government teacher at Plains High School in 1983-1986. Mr. Gallagher was one of my favorite teachers. He always gave each student the needed amount of instruction, encouragement and his unconditional friendship. I am certain that he is the reason I was able to graduate high school. He always treated everyone with respect, and he did so with grace and humility. Mr. Gallagher, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tria McCormack says
Jennifer and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We are thankful we got to meet Bill and get to know him a little through the Miller campaign, he was such a positive person to be around and made everyone feel welcome. God bless to you and your family, heaven has gained a wonderful addition to it’s family and I’m sure Bill is putting a smile on everyone’s face.
Terri Paske says
To Bill’s family we extend our sympathy and prayers. May you find comfort in the knowledge of the many ways your loved one touched untold number of lives. Our state, nation and world would be better off if we had more Servants with his heart. Thankyou for sharing him with us.
James Knox says
I like so many have always felt a special friendship with Bill even though the time spent with him could have been so much more. Few men have passed that brought tears to my eyes, but with Bill weighing heavy on my heart the past week I discovered why it was so. I look forward to the day we can share a laugh or two again and pray his passing brings a quick peace to all who loved him.
jim brown says
A kind and warm man, and one whose company I enjoyed. Bill will be missed.
Linda L says
Wow – Susie S. told me about you and sent me your obit. Dang, I wish I would have had the chance to meet you in this chapter Bill, but I am looking forward to meeting you in my chp. 3. And – I would imagine you are pretty busy up there helping our Lord with all kinds of interesting projects!
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
To the Gallagher family we extend our sincere sympathy. We had the privilege of meeting Bill through his political endeavors. We knew at our first meeting he was a man of integrity and honesty who would make a wonderful Public Service Commissioner, we were never sorry for signing on with him in that endeavor. Bill will be missed by his wonderful family but his commitment to Montana and what he gave back to his wonderful state will truly be missed as well. We are better people for having known Bill, Montana is a better place for his service. Rest in Peace good friend, and thanks for all you gave while you were with us!
Kris and Debbie Klein says
We are so sorry to hear this news. We have many fun memories of playing on the lake with your family. Although we haven’t been in touch for years please know that we are praying for your family during this difficult time and rejoicing in the fact that we will get to be together in the 3rd chapter.
Dan and Eileen Badovinac says
Dearest Jennifer and family
Our love and prayers are with all of you….we ask for Our Lord’s peace and strength for you especially during this time.
Denise says
Jennifer and family,
I am sorry for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man and I enjoyed the time I worked with him at the PSC. He was always a kind and patient gentleman. I am proud to have known him and I share his love for Montana. Something I heard in Bill’s words will stay with me: “this is not a ‘dress rehearsal'”. May your hearts heal with the help of all of the wonderful memories you have of Bill. Enjoy every day and everyone in your life.
Travis brinson says
Mr bill. I did and do love and domiss you. Against the lockers..or in the room you good man. Dad..kept me alive. from self destruction. Thank you. I think. Lol. Bless you. You are loved Missed. Envied. You mywere right my friend. Forever shall I miss you. You werefavorite apathetic student. Travis brinson. may god have me as well. Peace
Peg Holwick says
To Jennifer and family: may the peace of God be with you, especially at this time. Among Bill’s many talents, I will remember him as a wonderful citizen, a dedicated attorney, a positive role model for so many people, and an elegant dancer.
Jo Hanson says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Bill was a wonderful teacher and I know that Roy considered him a good friend as well. We were glad to have the chance to visit with him at one of our favorite ‘recreational activities’ a farm-type auction at Whitepine. Please know that there are many who care and are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers at this time– looking for that time when we can be reunited with our loved ones once again. God bless and keep you all. Jo
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Jennifer, Family & Loved ones, Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your Bill. God’s Blessings to you.
Deborah & David Moffitt says
We are so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. We did not know him long, but what we did know was that he was a very fine, compassionate man. As he said, we hope we are worthy of meeting him again someday. Our heartfelt sympathy to Bill’s family. May he live on in our hearts & memories.
Tom & Becky Stockton says
We met Bill when he ran for PSC & was personally involved in his campaign for Gov/Lt. Governor. Bill was so fun to be around! Always positive & put the Lord first into everything he did. Bill was a perfect example of showing his love & faith in the Lord even when he did the littlest of things. His faith was the foundation of his life, followed by his devotion to his wife Jennifer & his family. Bill will be missed by all who knew him! Till we meet again in heaven, RIP my friend!
Roger Hagan says
Gallagher Family, Crossed Bill’s path during his political part of Chapter 2. What a wonderful man! He will be missed by all.
Debbie Benson says
Jennifer and family…I feel honored to have known Bill….he was a remarkable individual and I will never forget all that he taught me….he treasured his family and always spoke so fond of you all….he definitely touched many lives…..my condolences
Debbie Benson
Betti Hill says
what a blessing it was to read Bills obit…in his own words and see his journey through his eyes. I’ve often thought that the best part of the terrible disease of Cancer was the fact that a person has a chance to get “his house in order” before passing to the next life. And I can see that Bill did just that. And the biggest blessing of all is knowing of his strong belief in Jesus and that he is with Him today.
Pam Topel Lagerquist says
I was very blessed to know Mr Gallagher as he was my History teacher all 3 years I was in Plains, as well as one my basketball coaches. He truly shaped my high school years and plays a strong roll in a lot of good memories there. He will be truly missed, but in writing his own obit, he maintained the spirit that I remember and closed this chapter with his signature wit and style.
Darci (Anderson) Campbell says
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s been years since I’ve seen any of you, but I still remember all the adventures we had on Frontage Road. You are all in my thoughts.
Cindy Hawkins says
Many prayers from the Patterson and Hawkins families in Alabama.
Bill Starr says
Jennifer… It was an honor to have known Bill. He will be missed. My prayers to you and your family.
Erin Tunstall says
Jennifer, Catrina and David,
Matt and I are praying for your family. I wish I could be with you in person to celebrate and remember Bill tomorrow. Since I can’t, I’ll tell you here that I so appreciated his welcoming nature, quickness to laugh, and willingness to replace a pumice stone.
Kathleen Androlewicz says
I am very blessed to have met Bill and am deeply sorry that our Lord has taken him away from you, his earthly family, but know that he is in the loving arms of our Lord. May the memories of this wonderful man be treasured in your hearts when you miss him the most.
Jennifer Fielder says
An amazing man. God rest your soul Bill. Thank you for the many kindnesses you shared and the fine example you set for your fellow man. May the Lord’s peace, strength, and comfort be with you and your family.
Terry L. Rowe says
Our best to you Jennifer and family. What a wonderful legacy has been left to you. Bill touched the hearts of so many lives as he walked this Earth. He will truly be missed but I know that we will all be together again, probably sooner than we all think. May Gods comfort walk with you each day until then.
Lew Zimmer says
Bill was one of the wonderful people I have had the pleasure to work with and call a friend. His beautiful obit reveals his depth of character. Jennifer, our thoughts and prayers are with you! Love, Lew & Sarah
Stephanie West says
What beautiful final words. My heart is with you and your family Jennifer.
Pam Pole - says
Jennifer and Family,
I was truly BLESSED the day I met Bill. I was going through a terrible time in my life trying to deal with problems in taking care of legal matters with my 96 year old Grandmothers money and other things.
Having never used an HONlEST attorney before I was very worried over the whole situation. Not only did Bill take care of everything in fine fashion, but went above and beyond what I asked him to do. As a result ALL of my Grandmothers money was finally safe, but in the process I had the HONOR and pleasure to get to know Bill.
A few years later my Grandmother passed away and once again I had to call on Bill to help me out. I knew nothing about estates and such. In true fashion… the man I had come to know, TRUST and rely on took care of everything… teaching me how to do things on my own to save me money and taking care of all the difficult and confusing things that I couldn’t do.
Then a few years later I called him for help on real estate stuff for a new ranch I bought. It was at that time that he told me about his Cancer as he said that he knew I would understand after having gone through it myself a few years before.
To say that his news hit me hard would be an understatement. And to say that I shed a few tears and Prayed and Prayed and Prayed would also be an understatement as well.
I know that many may wonder why because “after all he was just my attorney”, but to me he was more than that. He was a FRIEND and a man that I CARED for and GREATLY RESPECTED as well as trusted and liked.
I have many more wonderful memories of my time spent with him. Way too many to share here. But, I want you to know that he was an inspiration and a kind and caring person to me and he helped me more than he probably knew. He will be missed by me more so as a friend than my lawyer.
I feel VERY fortunate that I made that call to him that day so many years ago. He was a blessing.
I send my Prayers to you and your family at this time. And I will continue to keep you all in my Prayers and one day… I SO hope that I will meet Bill again so that I can tell him these things in person. My only regret is that I never did this sooner.
Pam
Stephanie Weimer says
Jennifer,
My prayers are with you and your family.
My condolences on the loss to your family.
Stephanie
Kathleen Johnson-Currier says
I’m not sure you’ll get this message, but I just found out and wanted to say how sorry I am Jennifer for your loss!! Bill did hv a blessed & good life. Thank God you both new the Lord!!