Thomas Patrick Gallagher

GALLAGHER, Thomas (Tom) Patrick
March 5, 1952 - September 14, 2025
With courage and grace, Tom Gallagher, 73, passed away peacefully at home, on September 14, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born in Calgary, AB, Tom was the middle son of Jack and Katie Gallagher, who instilled in their children a love of exploration, inquiry, and spirited conversation. Family dinners were lively forums, fueled by Katie's dutifully clipped "Frontiers of Science" articles, where curiosity was always at the centre. Although challenged by childhood asthma, Tom defied expectations, excelling in running, hiking, skiing and cycling. Some of his greatest joys were ski-touring and hiking with his daughters and road-cycling with close friends.
Educated in Calgary and Switzerland, Tom earned his geology degree from the University of Calgary. Under the mentorship of renowned explorer Leo Miller, he built a career that took him across the globe-from the Canadian Arctic to South Africa and Australia-discovering and developing mineral and petroleum resources.
Tom's passion for geology reflected his broader love of the natural world. Geology, combined physical endurance with scientific inquisitiveness, always stretching him further and inspiring others to keep pace. Only two years ago, while living with a terminal T-cell lymphoma diagnosis, Tom placed third in his division in the Victoria 8 km race-a testament to his resilience and strength.
After retiring professionally, Tom continued to explore. He mapped the geology of much of southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands-often by bicycle-and remained deeply engaged in science discussions through groups such as Ocean Networks Canada, Friends of Science, regular gatherings with friends and through public outreach, including a YouTube lecture on Earth's climate history. He delighted in encouraging his grandchildren and others to remain curious and inquisitive about the world, seeking the truth behind the headlines.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Christine; his daughters Erin (Lian) and Laura (Josh); his stepdaughter Michelle (Graham); and five grandchildren, Weston, Addison, Raife, Rush and Falyn. He will be deeply missed by his brothers Jim (Pamela) and Fred (Heather), and by his many nieces, nephews, and the younger generation who he engaged through his humour, athleticism, curiosity, and inquisitiveness.

To celebrate his life, Tom would want you to step outside, embrace the natural world, stay curious and share your smile with a stranger.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wikipedia, reflecting Tom's lifelong commitment to curiosity and knowledge.
Condolences may be offered to the family at
www.mccallgardens.com