Douglas Warren Gallagher
January 30, 1943 - March 26, 2024
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Douglas Warren Gallagher
January 30, 1943 - March 26, 2024
Obituary
Douglas Warren Gallagher passed away peacefully on March 26th, 2024, at the age of 81. He was born to Wilma Oletha and Robert Glen Gallagher in Bellingham, WA on January 30th, 1943.
Doug was a man of many passions, but none compared to his love for fishing and camping. From fishing excursions to Vancouver Island with his parents to later adventures exploring the wilderness with his beloved wife Valerie. They most enjoyed long camping trips exploring Idaho and Montana and spending time in Glacier, Moab, Mt. Rushmore, and Yellowstone National Parks. Topping Doug’s bucket list was a fly-in fishing trip which was taken to Alaska in 2013. Doug found peace and joy in the great outdoors. He cherished every moment spent casting lines into the water and grilling salmon on the campground.
Doug loved refurbishing his 1929 Model T Ford which he and Val enjoyed taking out on occasion, teaching her how to drive it. Doug was very proud of having built his own home after learning much about carpentry and construction from his Dad, Robert.” They also loved hosting their families on holidays and other occasions.
A graduate of Washington State University, Doug earned a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1966. He dedicated his career to the petroleum industry, specializing in planning and maintenance management. For 28 years, he served diligently at the Ferndale Refinery. He was truly proud of his work and serving the surrounding community.
Those who knew Doug remember him as a man of exceptional character. He possessed a sharp intellect, coupled with a gentle spirit and a dry wit that never failed to elicit laughter. His one-line quips, delivered with a serious face, were legendary among family and friends.
Above all else, Doug will be remembered for his kindness and compassion. He lived his life guided by his Christian faith, treating others with respect and empathy. He rarely passed judgment and always extended a helping hand to those in need.
Doug is survived by his devoted wife, Valerie O’Connor Gallagher, his sons John David Gallagher and Ricardo Anthony Gallagher, his brother William Gallagher, his brother-in Law Greg Smith, his grandchildren Mason and Alexis Gallagher, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carol Smith, and his deceased wife Sandra Linda Gallagher.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whatcom County Hospice Foundation.
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Whatcom Hospice Foundation
- Address: 2901 Squalicum Parkway - (Get Directions)
- Website: https://whatcomhospice.org/donate-online/
- Email Address: info@whatcomhospice.org
- Phone Number: (360) 788-6866
- Description: Whatcom Hospice Foundation strengthens funding and improves awareness of Whatcom Hospice services through community collaboration, compassionate care resources and individual choice for end of life issues.
3 responses to Douglas Warren Gallagher
Jim & Pam Alderson says:
March 29, 2024
Doug, so many memories from our Refinery Days. You will be deeply missed. Jim & Pam Alderson
Rick Gallagher says:
April 8, 2024
I was sorry to hear of the passing of my Father. He adopted me when I was 12 years old, shortly after he married my mother. I credit him with being a positive role model as I grew up, while also instilling strong morals & values in me. Those values were the parental foundation that I used to raise his 2 grandchildren Mason (24) & Alexis (22) . Although he was not part of their lives for the last 15-years, he would be proud to know that both children graduated with honors from their perspective universities ,are amazing young adults & will proudly carry-on the Gallagher name.
I would be remiss not to add to some of my father’s passions over the years. In addition to Camping, Fishing, & carpentry, the enjoyed to travel both domestically and internationally. He marveled at the enginerring greatness of the Panama Canal & the historic remains of Pearl Harbor. HIs trip with my mother to England/Scottland was a bucket list adventure as were the cruises they enjoyed. He was a principled man as he alone is the main reason Chuckanut Mountain did not succumb to housing development. Instead of selling a land easement to developers, he gifted the easement to the country which in turn created Arroyo Park. What a gift!
I will always be thankful for the positive impact that my father had on my life as well as my mother’s. Doug Gallagher was the love of Linda Gallagher’s life. They had a wonderful 30-year marriage filled with a life time of memories. My mother loved him so much, she was happy that he could once again find love after her passing.
RIP Father,
Your son Rick.
Valerie says:
April 30, 2024
Doug, I was so lucky to have you as a father-in-law. Your love for Linda was a testament to strength of partnership and your life together was inspirational.
Thank you for the significant role you played on your grandchildren’s lives. Your nurturing impact provided a foundation for their personal growth. Many of their earliest, fondest memories are time spent with you (and Linda) – birthdays, holidays, long weekends in Bellingham & visits to Sammamish. We all loved spending the weekends going to parks, attending car shows, festivals, but probably the most enjoyable activity was the simplicity of spending time around the yard. We’d spend hours “exploring”, watching the Koi fish, climbing “blueberry hill” and enjoying each other’s company on the deck delighting in the sights and smells of nature. Many of the best and most meaningful memories we can create with our children are the simple ones.
Thank you for your warmth, kindness and everlasting patience. Your spirit will live on in each of us and we will always hold the memories dear.