Greg Gallagher passed away at his home at Crystal Lake on November 8, 2016. He was seventy-six years of age. Gregery Francis Gallagher was born on June 30, 1940, the youngest child of Fergal and Mary Alberta ‘Bertie’ Gallagher and grew up on a farm near Yorkton, SK. He completed his elementary schooling at a one-room school as had his brothers and sisters and completed his secondary schooling at St. Joseph’s College in Yorkton. After a year working on his father’s farm he enrolled in the University of Saskatchewan for one year, at the end of which he entered the Congregation of St. Basil, an order of Roman Catholic priests dedicated to teaching. Having completed his B.A. at the University of Toronto, Greg taught for three years at St. Joseph’s High School in Ottawa and returned to Toronto for two years of theological studies. In 1968 Greg withdrew from the Congregation of St. Basil in 1968 and returned to Saskatchewan to teach at Yorkton Composite High School. While teaching he also bought a farm and began to raise Clydesdale horses, having inherited a love of that breed from his father. When naming the offspring Greg gave the horses the first name of Donegal, a tribute to his grandparent’s Irish heritage from Donegal County in Ireland. A high point in his life occurred when a stallion he had raised won the Grand Championship in a world competition. The dispersal sale of his herd in 2014 attracted buyers from throughout North America. Greg was a skilled salesman and for many years earned part of his income traveling throughout the continent selling a type of battery carrier that he had developed. In his mid-teens Greg discovered that he could pitch a softball with sufficient velocity to discourage most hitters and he continued to enjoy this pastime in local leagues and tournaments until nearly forty years of age. Another area in which Greg continued a family tradition was his interest in politics. Political Science was his major at the University of Toronto. He served for several years as the President of the Liberal Party of Saskatchewan and for a short time as interim leader. He had an impressive knowledge of the history of political parties and campaigns in Canada and could be relied on to keep his associates informed about his interpretation of what was going on in the current scene. At a recent visit his brother Jack noticed a sharp decline in this interest, a sign that Greg’s surgery in April, 2016 to replace a heart valve was having an effect on his usual enthusiasm. In better times the Trump/Clinton campaign would have no doubt inspired him to considerable eloquence and perhaps an opinion or two. Greg was a forceful personality, never shy about expressing his opinions and enjoyed matching wits with neighbours and with family members at periodic family reunions. He retained a sharp sense of humour throughout his life and in spite of the serious health and mobility problems in his later years. Friends will recall that Greg lived life large. He had a legendary capacity for food, drink and any competitive game. Nothing energized him more than a house full of people having a good time. You never really knew what to expect but you knew you were going to be entertained. Political discussions, arguments, rowdy games of cards or board games and never-ending stories. Greg was predeceased by his daughter, Laura; his parents Fergal and Mary Alberta (nee O’Toole); sisters Sr. Mary Albert S.P., Sr. Muriel, S.P. and Marie in infancy; brothers, Bernard (Dorothy) and Rev. Father Patrick, C.S.B. Greg leaves to cherish his memory his two children, Denise (Shannon) Krywulak and Carmy Gallagher and their mother Sharon; two grandchildren, Shanice and Zander; brothers, George (Doreen) and Rev. Father Jack, C.S.B. sister Laura MacLean; long-time friend and companion Margaret Day and numerous nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Monday, November 14, 2016 from the chapel of Preeceville Funeral Home with Rev. John Oussoren of the United Church of Canada officiating. The organist, Karolyn Kosheluk led the congregation in the singing of the hymns “Amazing Grace” and “In The Bulb There Is A Flower”. Tributes and words of remembrance were given by Glenda Morrice and a number of Greg’s friends. Scripture Readings were read by Fr. Jack Gallagher. Prayers of Thanksgiving and Intercession were read by Anita DesRoches. Interment followed in the Stenen Community Cemetery with Carmy Gallagher serving as the urn bearer. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.preecevillefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Preeceville Funeral Home.
