Morrie Gallagher died peacefully, surrounded by his household, on January 13, 2025.
He was beloved husband to Joan, and loving father to Colleen of Windsor, Beth (James) of Waterloo, Matt (Cornelia) of Toronto and John (Effy), of Halifax. He was the proud grandfather to Liam, Elizabeth, Sophie, Miranda, William, Isabella and Audrey.
Morrie used a lifelong ardour for sports activities to convey folks collectively wherever he went. Whereas he celebrated many triumphs as a highschool coach on the soccer area, his largest win might have been the enjoyment he unfold as “Coach” whereas dwelling with dementia within the closing years of his life.
Son of a talented tradesman (Morgan) and a instructor (Aurelia), Morrie was born in Detroit in 1935 and grew up in Windsor. He’s a cherished brother of the late Terry (2007), Gail Morvay (1990) and Pat Gallagher (2021). He’s survived by his devoted brother and sister Dan (Kathy) and Maureen Gallagher.
Rising up on Bernard Highway, his mom taught him to “rise above” difficulties. It was there, and through summers on the farm in Ottawa Valley, that Morrie realized the heat and connection of a giant household that will later mark his means to construct robust groups and mentor lecturers.
He attended Corpus Christi Excessive Faculty, now F.J. Brennan Catholic Faculty, the place he would return to show and coach in 1965. His years teaching soccer and monitor and area at Brennan alongside his expensive associates, the late Jim Hoffman and Al McNamara had been amongst his fondest skilled reminiscences. It’s a consolation to know – win or lose – that Morrie can be with “Jay Hoff” and Al because the Detroit Lions struggle to get to the Tremendous Bowl for the primary time in historical past.
After 34 years of educating in Windsor, which included time at Assumption Catholic Excessive Faculty, Morrie retired in 1993 to assist develop Loyola Academy in Detroit. His dedication to the brand new college went properly past teaching, with Morrie incomes his college bus licence to drive Loyola’s groups to tournaments. In his “retirement” he continued teaching different highschool groups and supporting former college students, who themselves had change into coaches, with scouting stories, sport suggestions however most of all recommendation on the right way to convey out the perfect in each participant.
Morrie was a grasp of seeing and nurturing potential in younger folks, a legacy that may stay on in the neighborhood he liked.
Morrie was married to Joan, the nice love of his life, for greater than 61 years. They shared a devotion to the Roman Catholic religion and enjoyable that sustained them throughout the ups and downs of their extraordinary life collectively. Morrie was blessed with many years of exhausting laughter together with his kids and grandchildren throughout numerous celebrations and memorable adventures at cottages all through the years.
Joan and the youngsters are grateful to the workers at Heron Terrace, particularly these on Birdsview who gave such loving consideration to “Coach.” Heartfelt due to the various family and friends who made Morrie’s journey just a little simpler, particularly Dan and Kathy for visits and entertaining tales, Sharon Hoffman for every day prayers, and Joan’s associates at Our Girl of Guadalupe Church who supplied prayers, candles and assist.
Morrie firmly believed that Jesus was his saviour, and that he would someday meet Him head to head.
Visitation will happen at Windsor Chapel Funeral Dwelling – CENTRAL CHAPEL (1700 Tecumseh Rd. E), on Thursday January sixteenth 2025 from 6pm-9pm. Parish prayers at 7:30pm. Visiting will proceed the next day Friday January seventeenth 2025 at Our Girl of Guadalupe Church (834 Raymo Rd) from 10am till time of Funeral Mass at 11am. Burial to comply with at Heavenly Relaxation Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations could also be made in reminiscence of Morrie to Road Assist or Second Likelihood Ministry.
