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Jess uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, July 6, 2021
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Dad's Eulogy
I am sure that each of you have received an unexpected phone call from him, heard an wild story, received a text with a sunrise or sunset picture attached, and just that….no words needed, had him call you out of the blue with a story about a dream he had about you, saw him walking Chewy around the neighborhood, shared a laugh, or heard some outlandish story that is too crazy to share here. Hopefully those memories will be kept close to your heart. For some of us, we were lucky enough to experience all of these, and if that is you, you know how special he was on a deep level.
I have tried to take the last few days to try to sum up his life for all of us. I wanted to try to wrap things up in a bow and make everything beautiful and perfect. And then I let go and took to heart what he spent the last 35 years teaching me, I remembered, nothing is perfect and nothing needs a bow. I realized that to sum him up for me, does not mean the same as it does for you. So I took some lessons he drilled into my head and summed those up instead.
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He would want me to tell you that those that matter most are those who think of you when you aren’t there, he would want me to tell you to treat others the way you want to be treated, he would say to be unapologetic, do things right the first time, so you don't have to do them again, he would tell you that family is always first and he would say, do as I say, and not as I do. Also, everything has a place and there is a place for everything. These things describe him, but defining him can only be done by each of us reflecting on what he meant to us as individuals.
Dad was a man who sugar coated absolutely nothing, he found the lighter side in most everything, he never took himself too seriously, and much to my disbelief he was always a child at heart so much so that he always had a finger to pull whenever you needed a laugh and I'm sure a whoopie cushion was never too far.
He told stories as if he wanted you to live the memory with him, sometimes the stories even included the most amazing and fantastical embellishments. He wasn't afraid to text at 3 am to tell you to go out and see the stars or that he saw some crazy things happening while he cruised the gut. He also really wanted everyone to watch jeopardy and shameless.
He always took advantage of the mundane and tried to connect with those of us who may have lost our way. Good or bad, no matter how low you were, Dad was always willing to be who you needed him to be, even if it wasn't your preference at the time.
I looked a lot to find a way to comfort us all about losing Dad. The closest thing I found to that is this. ..Conservation of Energy.
I want to tell you all about what I have learned about the conservation of energy. And dad would like this, because he always sent me links to videos, NPR tidbits and PBS documentaries. So I am pretty sure he would want you all to learn about the conservation of energy tonight.
Scientifically speaking , the conservation of energy proves to us that our energy does not die. The law of thermodynamics states that no energy is created and no energy is destroyed. Every vibration, every BTU of heat, and every particle that was Dad remains with us here in this world.
All of the energy that made up dad’s laugh, Bumpas hugs, Garys spirit, GMans jokes, PALs voice and your husband's love, all of that energy never dies. You have to understand that all of that is a memory. a physical memory that the universe never forgets, all of his energy that made up exactly who he is, will exist here, forever.
If you feel the heat right now, that warmth on your skin, the breeze touching your face, all that he was in life, it is still here with us, and that warmth, that energy is as sure as the sunshine on your face at the first morning light.
And while you should have faith, you should have that comfort, you should all rest easy knowing that we can actually measure this conservation of energy, we can prove it exists, and that this phenomenon is everywhere, all through space and time.
So according to the conservation of energy, not one bit of Gary, Bumpa, Pal, GMan, Galloway, Honey...not one bit is gone, he is just less orderly, which if I know dad, he would be ok with that.
Finally, I spoke a lot with my dad over the last year about a lot of different things, sometimes we would talk about really mundane things, like what the hell was going on with the broncos, what was for lunch, how the kids are, sometimes he would ask me if I remembered what he and I would do during the summer when I was a kid, usually it was stuff that Mom would not approve of, actually most of it was. Sometimes we would talk about the milky way, yes dad we can see it from earth, or we would ponder space and aliens, now you know what is up there dad!
And Sometimes he would call me and we would talk about people we loved, and I know that he would want you all to know a few things about that, he would want me to tell you something that perhaps he didn't get the chance to say. He loved each and every one of us, no matter how well he knew you. He loved you in some way. He could find the good in us, even when we couldn't find it ourselves. His life long friends enriched his life, he spoke of you all often, he idly thought of you and wished for your well being, he fondly remembered stories and adventures that you shared, some of you have known him for the better part of his life, and he never failed to recall each fantastic memory.
He loved his family, even if he didn't get to talk with them as much as he would like to, he was proud to connect with everyone, even if it was a brief hello or obnoxious picture text. I'm sure some of you know exactly what I am talking about. That was always done with love and a quiet way to remind you that you mattered to him. He would want you all to know how much he loved the sunrises and sunsets. I often found myself late for work because I would stop on the side of the road to exchange pictures with him, you’re welcome, commuter traffic. He would want each of you to try to share something so beautiful with those you love as often as you can, traffic be damned, bonus points for bronco sunrises.
He would want his PAL to know that he will ALWAYS be proud of you, He will always love you, you are his son and he could not think of anyone more worthy of sitting in the captain's chair now. Our conversations about you always started and ended with how grateful he was for the best future ex son in law he could ever hope for. Just remember, put up the coolers before it gets too hot, take a nap whenever you can, and always go for the comfort height toilets.
Lily and Ani, Bumpa loved you more than you will ever know, he knew that the greatest gift he ever had was the two of you, and he knows that you will do amazing things, you are smart girls and he will always be with you, whether you like it or not. Be sure that you listen to your hearts and do what makes you happy, everything else will fall into place. Lily, learn from Bumpa and trust people, some of them will surprise you, and that's ok. Ani, remember to talk it out, go slow, take a deep breath. Be heard in the right ways.
And Mom, I cannot begin to imagine the loss you feel. I hope that seeing the love here today and the impact dad has made to each of us will help you to grieve the love of your life. 41 years seems like a long time to us, but I am sure that to you, it seems like a blink of the eye. Dad loves you more than life itself, every conversation we had always included his thoughts about you, you were never far from his mind and his heart was full knowing that you were there for him. Dad wanted you to be safe, happy, and cared for, to which I always promised him that Jeremy and I would do. His concern for you was always deep and genuine, and even when he knew he was being a turd, he knew you loved him, he knew you cared for him and he knew that his heart was always yours. No matter how much you two would bicker, he would always add in that “she loves me” and remind me that he loved you more than he could describe. He would also want you to enjoy the ice, the clean toilet seat and enjoy being able to control the remote for the TV now!
Dad,I know that wherever you are, you start your days walking Chewy while the sun rises, you hop in the boat and try to catch some fish...most likely just getting nibbles, you take a nap, argue with Gramma marge a little bit, check in on mom, take another nap and you live free of any burden you ever experienced here on earth. Just make sure you check in with us every once and a while, and let us know you are ok.
I love you dad, I hope you are proud of me. I promise to keep my promise I made you. I will take care of mom, Jeremy and the girls, even if they are kicking and screaming the whole way. I've got things covered here. Our time here is fleeting, love the ones you love with every ounce you have.
T
Tim Galloway uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
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My Brother was my hero, the one person I always looked up to my entire life. He helped me to become the man I am, he advised me, he gave me strength and I will always love him.
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Linda Johnston uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
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We know Gary would have loved the attached picture. Hope it brings you all some comfort during this tragic time. Our hearts go out to everyone in Gary's family. We have lost a wonderful friend. Wish we could be there with you but know our thoughts and prayers are. All our love. Linda and Sheldon Johnston
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Jessica uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
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Always had a good laugh. Always had some words of wisdom. Never short of character. Never met anyone like him. Sad to see him go. Life got just a little more boring. I will miss you PAL. Love your future x-son-in-law Jeremy
J
Jessica uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
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Bumpa, we love you and miss you. We still want a lot of hugs. Make sure you check in on us
Love Lily and Ani
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The family of Gary Vern Galloway uploaded a photo
Monday, June 7, 2021
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