Stuart Robert Gallagher

Stuart Robert Gallagher, 72, passed away peacefully on July 18 surrounded by immense love. He fought for his life with courage and dignity, but ultimately, the cancer overcame him. All who knew Stuart were immediately touched by his warm smile and silly sense of humor; he was a friend to all and lived life with excitement and zest. He wore his heart on his sleeve and loved to help anyone as much as he possibly could.

Stuart resided in Traverse City until the age of 12, when his family relocated to Palm Beach County, Florida. In 1973, he married his first love, Iris Dearing. The two moved to Northern Colorado in 1976 where they raised two daughters. In retirement, Stuart split his time between a Largo, Florida home and his beloved Long Lake cottage in Traverse City, Michigan.

He graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Psychology and was initially a counselor for at-risk youth. He found great fulfillment in helping these youth and proudly spoke about the initiative he took to change their lives. After a few jobs in an array of fields, he realized that the best employer was himself. He started an advertising business which he successfully ran until retirement.

Stu was the youngest of Dr. William H. Gallagher and Hannah Gallagher's three sons. His father, Dr. Gallagher, was a psychiatrist at the State Hospital in Traverse City - Stu had countless memories of being raised on the grounds of such a unique facility. To no one's surprise, he even found the best in that; sharing funny stories about patient interactions and how lovely it was to play in Kid's Creek.

Stuart is survived by his daughters, Kim Gallagher (Chad Schrader) and Susan Street of Traverse City, his grandchildren; Elena, Charles, Nicholas, and Adrienne, and his brother, Morton Gallagher (Jana) of Traverse City and Jupiter, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. William and Hannah Gallagher, his brother, Jerome J. Gallagher, and a half-brother, William Gallagher.

Stu was generous, social, fun to be around, and endlessly affable. He loved life and lived it fully; spending time with his kids, grandkids, friends, and kitty companion, Toby. He loved riding his motorcycle and always surrounded himself with music. If he wasn't snorkeling in Long Lake, he was sitting with you on the boat, with a mixed drink in hand (and making sure you had one too of course). The void he leaves in the lives of those who loved him and had the good fortune of spending time with him is enormous. He will be missed every moment of every day.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 9th from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Traverse City Elks Lodge, 625 Bay Street. Bring your stories and come ready to share the love.