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John Allen Galbraith

1923 - 2021

John Galbraith Obituary

John Allen Galbraith

John Galbraith dies in Maumee at 98. Served Region as Politician, Developer and Veteran.

John Allen Galbraith died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. Born on August 23, 1923 in Toledo, Ohio to Nina Allen and Dr. Evan G. Galbraith, John grew up in Toledo's Old West End and later, in Ottawa Hills. He was a member of the "new" Ottawa Hills High School's first graduating class in 1941.

After two undergraduate years at The Ohio State University in Columbus, he enrolled in the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the University of Michigan. As war loomed, two years followed as Lieutenant Commander on escort ships in the North Atlantic and South Pacific.

After the war, John pursued a law degree on the G.I. Bill back at the University of Michigan where he met his wife-to-be, Cynthia Finn, an art major from Detroit and Suttons Bay, MI. They married on March 25, 1950 near Suttons Bay, Michigan. John initially worked in the legal department at Autolite in Cincinnati, but by 1951 he was called back during the Korean War to serve out of the Brooklyn Naval Yard in New York.

Following the births of two children, the young family moved back to John's home turf, where he worked first as an executive manager for Community Sanitation Inc. and by the early 1960s partnered with Jerry Sawicki to embark on a long career in residential construction.

In 1966, John was elected to the Ohio State Legislature where he served for 22 years as State Representative. While in office, he debuted legislation favoring gun control to limit crime and liberalizing abortion to support of a woman's right to choose. Years after stepping away from active politics, John, a lifelong Republican, supported Bill Clinton for president and never looked back as he was unable to abide the emerging Christian right's domination of the GOP.

John and Cynthia traveled to every corner of the globe, often with friends, and regularly to visit family living overseas. They enjoyed a diverse cross-section of stimulating friendships, kept active with a regular tennis game, and were longtime, socially active members of the Toledo Country Club.

John is survived by his wife, Cynthia, of 71 years; as well as his sons, John Michael (Ditte), Geoffrey Allen (Emma); and daughter, Cynthia Galbraith Curley. He leaves 10 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and an abundance of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Nina Galbraith Crowther; and a brother, former US Ambassador to France, Evan Griffith Galbraith; as well as beloved daughter, Tenley Ann Galbraith.

The family suggests that tributes in his name be directed to the Toledo Museum of Art, Planned Parenthood, The Toledo Zoological Society or a charity of donor preference. A memorial service is planned for spring.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade on Dec. 26, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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Jill Allen (Sawicki)

January 3, 2022

Galbraith family...I am so sorry for your loss. The last two times I saw John and Cynthia they were at my parents´ funerals, offering me comforting words. What a sweet couple they were! In my youth we lived in the same Maumee neighborhood and I have fond memories of going over to their house and playing with their kids. I remember being so amazed that Cindy was able to cook us macaroni and melted butter for lunch one day, using the stove by herself, no less! They clearly valued independence in their family!

Lisa Sawicki Holman

December 30, 2021

I have very fond memories of your Dad and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

David Karmol

December 30, 2021

So sorry to hear that John has passed away. John was a friend in the legislature, and a wise and thoughtful guy. always. Even when we disagreed, John was a pleasure to discuss issues with, and always inquisitive to understand the other perspective. I am so glad I had the chance to reconnect with John over the last few years, and enjoy his wisdom and wit a few more times.

Rich Murray

December 30, 2021

First I am pleased to learn Rep. Galbraith enjoyed a long life with his wife, family and friends and got to travel and enjoy favorite activities.

I was an aide to State Rep. Barney Quilter from Toledo and later the Clerk of the Ohio House. He and Barney always got along and there was mutual respect. I had a number of interactions and he was always approachable and friendly. On the House Floor I remember his seat location in the upper right of the Chamber (not a reference to ideology). He was either in the single seat on the very top row or the two seat row just below the top row, and his desk was always cluttered with the bills of the day , and he was always reading bills on the agenda. He was serious about his craft.

He may have been a maverick but moreover he had an appropriate sense of humor about his role in the legislature which was refreshing.

It was great to see his picture again with that big, broad smile. That´s the way I remember him.

Karl Marshall

December 30, 2021

John was a great boss and friend I wouldn´t have what I have today if it wasn´t for him I was truly blessed to have to know him

Larry James Loutzenhiser

December 28, 2021

Michael, Please accept my condolences for you and your family with the loss of your father. Your Dad was a courageous and smart representative and was highly respected. He was always bound by his principals and represented his constituents well. He was guided by his conscience and beliefs and never allowed part to interfere with what he thought was the true and right thing to do.

Hal Simon

December 27, 2021

My condolences to the Galbraith family. I enjoyed John's letters to the editor for many years and was proud to finally meet him. He will be missed.

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