Fr. William Edward Gallagher

Obituary Father William (Bill) Edward Gallagher 2/23/1921 ~ 9/26/2013 Fr. Bill passed away peacefully Thursday morning at Providence Mount St. Vincent in West Seattle. He was born to Mary and William Gallagher in Ruston (Tacoma), WA. He attended Ruston School and St. Edward Seminary and was ordained a priest in June of 1946. As a priest, he was a faithful servant to many throughout the Archdiocese, serving: St. James Cathedral, St. Luke Parish in Shoreline (1956-1972) and Sacred Heart Parish in Bellevue (1972-1973). He served at St. James Cathedral in two different periods, and was the pastor from 1973 until his retirement in 1988. He is remembered there fondly for implementing multi-cultural celebrations and for helping create an outstanding musical program. He served on the committee that helped create the National Association of U.S. Catholic Priests. Fr. Bill and his beloved younger brother Bobby loved to travel to Hawaii, and entertained many family members and friends there throughout the years. Fr. Bill was one of the elders of the Tacoma Gallagher Clan and enjoyed coordinating their reunion at the Elks Club in Tacoma each year. Upon retirement, he moved to his cherished home across the street from Pt. Defiance Park in Tacoma. He continued serving the people of the Archdiocese as long as he was able. Fr. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marjorie McMenamin; and brothers, Owen Gallagher and Robert Gallagher. He is survived by his seven loving nieces and nephews, 18 great-nieces and nephews and numerous great-great nieces and nephews. His family lovingly remembers him as a wonderful role model of Catholic faith and treasures the many sacraments he celebrated for them. Fr. Bill is also survived by countless friends, parishioners and fellow priests. The family wishes to thank the staff at Third North at Providence Mount St. Vincent for the love and care they gave Fr. Bill during the past three years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Cathedral in Seattle. A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Parish in Tacoma. Interment at Calvary Cemetery, Tacoma. Remembrances may be made in his honor to Catholic Community Services. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.