Liam Leslie Galaty

2003 - 2017

Liam Leslie Galaty

Jackson - Liam Leslie Galaty, 14, passed away in his home on Monday, December 18, 2017.

Liam was born in Jackson, MS on November 19, 2003 and attended St. Andrew's Episcopal School from pre-K3 until 8th grade. Liam excelled in the classroom, having exhibited a love of learning from an early age, as well as having a gift for writing, visual art, and music. He was a leader in the St. Andrew's choral program where he was a regular soloist and played theatrical roles such as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz and as Mike T.V. in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Beyond his academic and artistic endeavors, Liam was perhaps best known for his incredible talent and love of soccer. He played for the Jackson Futbol Club since he was four-years-old, and as an 8th grader, he already excelled as a member of the varsity soccer team. He played for the Mississippi Rush club soccer team and was honored to play for the elite Rush Select Program that allowed him to compete alongside some of the best young soccer players in the country.

Outside of school and extracurricular activities, Liam loved to travel and encounter new cultures, ideas, and people. He spent three summers in Greece participating in archaeological digs with his father, and often traveled to his family cabin in northern Wisconsin and to California where he could enjoy nature and spend time with his extended family.

Liam lived his life with compassion, dedication, joy, and courage. A kindhearted person with a good sense of humor, he could bring a smile to anyone's face. He had a natural talent for connecting with people, bringing them together, and emerged as a leader in group settings. Whether it was academics, sports, or the arts, he put his all into everything he tried. He met new experiences with an open and curious mind, and set his heart to offering the best he could to any challenge, whether it be a piece of music for the stage, an architectural drawing, a soccer game, or a short story. His talents were matched with his determination, focus, and creativity. His generous and vibrant heart sparked joy in all around him, and he has inspired others to live with deep passion and purpose.

Liam is survived by his mother Tanya Newkirk of Jackson and his father Dr. Michael Leslie Galaty (wife Sylvia), and brother Dardan "Danny" Magnus Galaty, of Ann Arbor, MI; his grandmother, Diane Galaty of Green Bay, WI; his grandmother Grace Newkirk of Claremont, CA; his grandfather Ben Newkirk (wife Pam) of La Mesa, CA; his grandfather Larry Havert (wife Caroline) of Yucaipa, CA; his aunt Christine Newkirk (husband Paul Cannon) of Pasadena, CA; his uncle Jess Newkirk of Brooklyn, NY; his aunt Cynthia Galabota (husband Scott) and cousins Donovan and Corinna of Pagosa Springs, CO; and his uncle Christopher Galaty (wife Gretchen) and cousins Leo and Tomie of Lake Placid, NY. He is preceded in death by his grandfather Rev. William Leslie Galaty of Green Bay, WI.

Services will be held at St. James' Episcopal Church in Jackson, MS at 3:00 pm on Saturday, December 23, with the Rev. Annie Elliot, Rev. Shannon Manning, and Rev. Jamie McElroy officiating. Sebrell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, and Liam's ashes will be interred at the family cabin in Lac du Flambeau, WI, and others will remain with his mother. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Andrew's Student Support Services to support the #LiveLikeLiam fund for suicide prevention. Please make checks payable to St. Andrew's Episcopal School, 370 Old Agency Road, Ridgeland, MS 39157, or visit www.gosaints.org/liam to donate online.