Monday, September 30, 2013

Father Bill

There was a time when the Gallagher name was synonymous with Ruston. The elder Gallaghers were one of our first residents and built the family home with their own hands at N. 52nd and Winnifred. Son Owen followed suit by building his house down the block, and he served over 30 years as Ruston's mayor. Brother Bobby and Owen followed in their father's footsteps and worked their whole career at the smelter down the hill. The rebel brother, William decided on a different path and became a priest.

Father Bill and Bobby shared their sister's former home after retirement across the street from Point Defiance Park. They traveled to Hawaii each winter, kept the extended family together and carried our history in their hearts. Owen and Bobby have been gone for a few years now, but Father Bill held on until this week. His obituary is in the News Tribune and condolences can be left via this link. Services will be held this Wednesday, October 2nd at 11am at Saint James in Seattle. Ruston has lost another generation of our heritage. Rest in peace, Gallagher brothers.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Cathedral in Seattle - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tribnet/obituary.aspx?n=william-gallagher&pid=167235562&fhid=6435#fbLoggedOut

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tribnet/obituary.aspx?n=william-gallagher&pid=167235562&fhid=6435#fbLoggedOut#storylink=cpy

2 comments:

Unknown said...

I was saddened to read of Father Bill's death. Charles and I bought the original Gallagher home about 6 years ago and love living here. Father Bill stopped by about 4 years ago and I took him on a tour of his old home. Although it's been extensively remodeled, he still enjoyed seeing it. He told me he was born in the home & remembered when there use to be a wood stove upstairs! It was so nice to hear some of the history of the home & the family who built it. Rest in peace. Lori Meldahl

Unknown said...

I was saddened to read of Father Bill's death. Charles and I bought the original Gallagher home a little over 6 years ago & love living here. Father Bill stopped by about 4 years ago and I showed him around his old home. Although it's been extensively remodeled, he enjoyed seeing it. He told me he had been born upstairs & there use to be a wood stove up there. It was wonderful to talk to him & hear some of the history of the house. Rest in peace. Lori Meldahl