Charles Gallagher

When reflecting on the life of Charles Gallagher, it is clear to see that the common threads woven throughout his tapestry of time are honesty, integrity, and generosity. Those who knew Chuck knew he could always be counted on to simply be there when needed in any number of ways. Everything he did, he threw himself into whole heartedly whether it was putting in a day at work, spending his leisure time pursuing one of his hobbies, or sharing a good laugh with his family. Chuck was blessed to find his true love as he neared the sunset of his life and together they shared many years that were the best of Chuck’s life. Although his family and friends now say goodbye, they will be forever thankful for having been loved by such a special man.

The decade of the thirties was a trying time in our nation’s history as the Great Depression held us firmly in its grip and showed no mercy. Countless Americans were without jobs and lost their homes, many even relocated in hopes of a better life. It was in 1932 that there were more than 13 million unemployed people in our country and those who were working were doing so for 60 percent less than what they had been earning prior to the onset of the depression. There was great reason to celebrate, however, in the family of Thomas and Nellie (Bowles-McKee) Gallagher since it was on November 10th of that year that they welcomed the birth of their son, Charles. Born in Denver, Colorado, Charles was the youngest of three children in his family including his half siblings who were several years his senior. Soon after he was born, Charles moved with his family to a farm outside of Littleton, Colorado. As the agricultural industry was hammered throughout the depression, many famers couldn’t hold on to the farms they loved. This was the case in the Gallagher family and when his father lost the farm, the Gallaghers moved one last time – to Long Beach, California. Although many of his friends called him Chuck throughout his formative years, he was always Charles to his mother.

Chuck was raised in Long Beach where his older sister Marion was very involved in his upbringing. He sometimes took on the role of a pesky little brother since on more than one occasion, Chuck was an unwelcome guest on one of his older siblings’ dates. He loved spending time with his older brother and brother-in-law, and they often worked on fast cars together. Chuck attended local schools and graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School.

With his high school education behind him, Chuck joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington for the duration of his two year term. When he was discharged, Chuck returned home and found a job with General Telephone for a time. A bit later, he and his brother literally purchased the little town of Amboy, California, located along historic Route 66. Chuck later purchased the El Rancho Motel in Twentynine Palms, about 60 miles to the southwest of Amboy. Chuck married during this time and adopted two children, Chris and Kellie. After many years at the motel, Chuck obtained his real estate license. Although his marriage later ended, his children remained a very important part of his life.

Chuck spent the following 12 years as a single guy during which time his favorite meal was a hot dog with mayonnaise on it. In 1995, Chuck joined a Christian dating service where he met the love of his life. Her name was Marilyn Irwin and after establishing their relationship long distance over a nine month period, the couple was married on November 4th of that same year. Chuck moved into her home in Perrinton, Michigan, and the years that followed were the best years of his life. When his family grew to include grandchildren, Chuck was thrilled as his family was his greatest source of pride and joy.

Although much of Chuck’s time was spent with his family, he enjoyed other interests as well. He loved to fish on Rainbow Lake, and he loved to mow the yard. Chuck was an amazing woodworker and everything he made he was always so proud to show off. His work was truly unique and something that others enjoyed seeing. The weekends were usually filled with plenty of NASCAR racing since Chuck was a die hard fan. According to Chuck, he was an avid hunter, although that was up for debate. His form of hunting consisted of between 20 and 40 minutes spent out in his blind on opening day before calling it a day and heading back into the house. Chuck enjoyed spending time with his buddies as a lifetime member of the Twentynine Palms Elks Lodge.

There was so much to love and admire about Chuck. He was an ethical, honest, and truthful man who generously gave to others in ways both great and small. Chuck was known for his great sense of humor and could also be quite the prankster. Those who knew Chuck always appreciated that they could count on him to be there for whatever they needed - anytime.

Life will never be the same for the family and friends of Charles Gallagher now that he is gone. He loved to laugh and to share that laughter with those around him, and nothing got him going like a great joke. In many ways he was like the rock of his family, the steady force that kept those around him grounded. Chuck was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend who will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Charles T. “Chuck” Gallagher died on Saturday, November 6, 2010 in Lansing, MI. Chuck’s family includes his wife, Marilyn; his children, Chris (Nina) Gallagher of Las Vegas, Kellie Gallagher of California, Gerald (Shari) Winsor of St. Johns, Ronald (Joyce) Winsor of Chasell, Brian (Janet) Winsor, and Deb (Matt) Vusich of Perrinton; twelve grandchildren; six grandchildren; one sister, Marion Dunbar; and many nieces and nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and one brother; Lloyd McKee. Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at the Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church with Pastors Jerry Kissling and Jerry Keranen officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church.