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FR WILLIAM GALLAGHER

FUNERAL HOME

Gaffney Funeral Home

1002 S. Yakima Ave.

Tacoma, Washington

WILLIAM GALLAGHER Obituary

Father William (Bill) Edward Gallagher 2/23/1921 ~ 9/26/2013 Fr. Bill passed away peacefully Thursday morning at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle. He was born to Mary and William Gallagher in Ruston (Tacoma), WA. He attended Ruston School and St. Edward Seminary, and was ordained a priest in June of 1946. As a priest, he was a faithful servant to many throughout the Archdiocese, serving St. James Cathedral, St. Luke Parish in Shoreline (1956-1972), and Sacred Heart Parish in Bellevue (1972-1973). He served at St. James Cathedral in two different periods, and was the pastor from 1973 until his retirement in 1988. He is remembered there fondly for implementing multi-cultural celebrations and for helping create an outstanding musical program. He served on the committee that helped create the National Association of U.S. Catholic Priests. Fr. Bill and his beloved younger brother Bobby loved to travel to Hawaii, and entertained many family members and friends there throughout the years. Fr. Bill was one of the elders of the Tacoma Gallagher Clan, and enjoyed coordinating their reunion at the Elks Club in Tacoma each year. Upon retirement, he moved to his cherished home across the street from Pt. Defiance Park in Tacoma. He continued serving the people of the Archdiocese as long as he was able. Fr. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marjorie McMenamin, and brothers Owen Gallagher and Robert Gallagher. He is survived by his seven loving nieces and nephews, 18 great-nieces and nephews, and numerous great-great-nieces and nephews. His family lovingly remembers him as a wonderful role model of Catholic faith, and treasures the many sacraments he celebrated for them. Fr. Bill is also survived by countless friends, parishioners, and fellow priests. The family wishes to thank the staff at Third North at Providence Mount St. Vincent for the love and care they gave Fr. Bill during the past three years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Cathedral in Seattle. A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Parish in Tacoma. Interment at Calvary Cemetery, Tacoma. Remembrances may be made in his honor to Catholic Community Services. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Sep. 29, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM GALLAGHER

14 Entries

October 26, 2013

Bill Gallagher was the pastor at Saint James when I arrived as his deacon. What an incredible man, a shepherd in every sense of that word. I got a good start in ministry by being with him just for a summer.
Thomas J. Allsopp

Michelle Brown-Thomas

October 13, 2013

Dear Father Gallagher,
You will be missed by so many! Rest in Peace.
He was the pastor at St. Luke Parish for so many years. He was the priest who was there for my first Communion and Confirmation. I am grateful that I was able to see him a few years ago and thank him for the guidance and support he provided during my formative years.
Father Gallagher was truly a one of a kind human being.
Love, Michelle

Joseph Shigley

October 3, 2013

Fr. Gallagher was our pastor at Sacred Heart while I was growing up. We were re-acquainted when he was the rector at St. James and I attended mass there. A wonderful priest. A gentleman and a gentle man.

Charles & Polly Hendricks

October 2, 2013

It is my loss, too, but I'll always remember the encounter with him and Bob in Hawaii.

Josie Leahy-Brooks

October 1, 2013

I worked as the evening/weekend receptionist, office support, at St. James Cathedral from 1980 to 1984, under the guidance of Pastor Gallagher. I will never forget his smile, laugh and support. I have many fond memories of all of the staff at St. James. Peace to the hearts of all those missing him. Godspeed to his family.

Steve Hopkins

September 30, 2013

Rest in peace.

Julie Higgins

September 30, 2013

Fr. Gallagher was our parish priest at St. Lukes. I remember him calling me up front to give me my report cards every year. While I was always nervous walking up to the front of the class and sitting with him, his kindness and gentleness made the experience much easier for a shy child. What a blessing to the world. My best to his family.

Jim O'Grady

September 30, 2013

Fr. Gallagher called the priesthood "the greatest fraternity in the world." He proved that by his kindness and generosity to me during my three years as an associate pastor at the Cathedral. Thanks, dear Bill, for your friendship and your ministry. You now support us all from a heavenly vantage point.

Lloyd & Caroll Silver

September 30, 2013

So many joyful memories of becoming a Member of the Tacoma Clan Gallagher marrying Father Bill's first cousin Mary Agnes Gallagher in 1950.

While sadly losing my dear wife and mother of our three great kids we were privileged to continue to relish the Fr. Bill's and brother Bob's wonderful "Clan" Reunions at the Elks Club in Tacoma each year along with my new bride Caroll.

God Rest a Perfect Gentleman and Dedicated Servant of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Lloyd & Caroll Silver

Donald Br. McGovern, cfc

September 30, 2013

I remember Fr. Bill Gallagher with great affection. He was a model priest and pastor. Every year, as pastor of the Cathedral Parish, he would invite the Christian Brothers to dinner in the rectory. He did tell me that he had many nephews and nieces that were very attentive to him.

Sherree Gause

September 29, 2013

I was delighted to see Fr Bill when we moved Mom into her assisted living apt.at Providence Mt St Vincents. Fr was a calming presence with his warm demeanor and eyes that reflected his priesthood serving Jesus. Thank you, Fr Bill. I felt His presence strongly within you as I remember you being my reconciliation priest! My love and comfort to your wonderful family.

Margaret(Maggie) Jordan

September 29, 2013

My love & Prayers are with aLL of Fr.Bills family at this time. I, will always remember all of the kindness that, Fr.Bill, Marge & Bobby showed me on my many visits to their homes. All of the meals that were prepared were always A# 1. May he always rest min peace. May God Bless all of you always.

Diane Wiggins

September 29, 2013

We always had so much fun with Father Bill and Bobby here at Foster Tower in Honolulu! We all looked forward to their return each year!! Father Bill would say the 7:00 a.m. mass next door at St. Augustine Church here in Honolulu! After Bobby died, Father Bill came back one last time with Father Jim Mallahan and they stayed in my condo. Father Bill never came back after that visit because he missed Bobby too much!! Well we miss them both very much and seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter!! A fond Aloha Father Bill from all your friends at Foster Tower!!!!

Bill Majkur

September 29, 2013

Requiescat in pace! We made our first confessions and first Holy Communions with this man back in the spring of 1963 at St. Lukes school in what is now called Shoreline, WA. Thank you!!!

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