Brendan Gallagher

Obituary (John) Brendan Gallagher, age 89, returned to his Creator on January 13, 2018 in Tacoma, WA with his loving wife Diane by his side holding his hand. They shared 42 very fulfilling years of marriage. Brendan was the consummate Irishman, husband, son, brother, priest and friend. He was born to parents John and Catherine in May of 1928 in County Mayo, Republic of Ireland as the middle of 9 children. He was ordained at St. John's College, Waterford, Ireland, as a Roman Catholic priest for the Archdiocese of Seattle. Arriving in the USA in 1952, he served 20 years in parishes in Seattle, Skagit Valley and Tacoma. He proudly became a US citizen in 1964 and obtained a MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University in 1970. Brendan resigned from active ministry and worked in social services for Pierce County and WA State before retiring in 1995. He continued his priestly ministry, journeying with couples and families, officiating at their weddings and funerals. He had a passion for all things Irish, an incredible zest for life, loved all those he met and was a very kind and compassionate man of integrity with a strong sense of justice and faith. Brendan was preceded in death by his parents, John and Catherine Gallagher; and siblings: Denis, Mary, Owen, Nora, Fr. Michael and Patrick. He is survived by his wife Diane and siblings, Terry and Sr. Kathleen Gallagher and many dear nieces and nephews in Ireland, England and stateside. A celebration of Brendan's life will be held at St. Leo Catholic Church, (S. 13th and Yakima, Tacoma) February 3, 2018 at 10AM. A reception in the Wm. Bichsel Hall will immediately follow the service. Diane would like to express deep gratitude to family and friends who shared in their journey and in Brendan's joy filled spirit, especially the staff of Pioneer Place Memory Haven, Tacoma, for all their loving and compassionate care the past two years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Neighborhood Clinic (a free urgent care clinic serving those unable to access or afford medical care in our area) @ www.NeighborhoodClinicTacoma.org or the WA State Alzheimer's Association @ www.alz.org/local.