Michael Francis Gallagher

Michael Francis Gallagher
Born: December 4, 1943 in Oaks, North Dakota
Born to: Melvin Gallagher and Helen Rebelski Gallagher
Died: June 26, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael (Mike) Gallagher, a beloved brother and uncle. He was the first of seven children born into an Irish family. His father was in the army during WW2 and the Korean War as a medic and later worked as a civilian employee of the Department of Defense.

Perhaps this is why Mike joined the United States Air Force in 1968 as a pilot where he flew EC47s (enemy radar surveillance) and KC135s (refueling tankers) in Vietnam. He received meritorious awards for missions he accomplished as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross. After leaving the Air Force, he was in the reserves and served our country until 1986. He was very proud to have served.

However, the Vietnam War took a tremendous toll on Mike which led him to 2 decades of alcoholism. He struggled to find meaning during this time but ultimately, he turned to AA. Mike was sober since 1988. He would want us to mention his AA sponsors and mentors who helped him through very critical challenges. They were very much a part of his journey. Mike talked a lot about AA and how it saved his life.

When Mike returned home from the war, he began working as a freight pilot for TransAmerica Airlines which later became EMORY. While working for EMORY he rewrote their entire aircraft operational manual. He enjoyed travelling and flying very much. In more recent years, he was a certified flight instructor - instrument rating. If there was anything to do with planes, Mike was there.

After retiring from EMORY, Mike moved to the Henderson/Las Vegas NV area to take care of his parents. He was their live-in caregiver. His mother had Alzheimers so this was quite a challenge for him, but he was terrific with her. Eventually, he would also care for his father with bone cancer until his passing.

Mike never married nor had any children of his own, but he became a father figure and mentor to all in our family. He loved his family very much. He showed this by spending quality time with everyone and by his generous nature. And if you had a computer issue, he would fix it for you! Oh that brought him so much joy!

Mike would visit Redding to see family as often as he could. Then he would head up to Washington to visit his dear friends before heading back home. He was always checking in on everyone. He cared so much for his siblings, all the kids/grandkids, nephews, nieces, and friends. He will be missed terribly. Mike is survived by his sister Suzan Connor, brother Alan Gallagher, nieces Alex Gallagher, Renee Wheeler Mathieu, Arissa Wheeler, Jen McCloskey and nephews James Cummins, Sean Gallagher.

To commemorate his life and the many memories we share, Mike’s service will be held on Friday, August 9 at 11 am at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery, 11800 Gas Point Rd, Igo, CA 96047. In lieu of flowers, per Mike’s wishes, please donate to:

Henderson Salvation Army
830 E. Lake Mead Pkwy
Henderson, NV 89015 
www.hendersoncorps.salvationarmy.org