Robert J. Gallagher

My Life Story Robert (Bob) John Gallagher, 58, from Meridian, Idaho passed away in peace at home with family surrounding him on February 18, 2018, from esophageal cancer. Bob grew up in Saranac Lake, NY and was the son of Thomasina Gallagher and the late Bill Gallagher. Bob loved sports and was a terrific athlete. He made lifelong friends with his neighborhood sports mates and later played on Saranac Lake High School’s varsity teams: baseball, football and, best of all, his beloved hockey. Bob went on to win a hockey scholarship to the Brockport University in Brockport, NY, where he was a fierce defenseman. During college and since graduating with a B.A., Bob worked with his older brother Chip Gallagher, in the construction business. For the past twenty five years Bob was a project manager and superintendent for Visser Building, in Boise, Idaho. Bob’s clients loved him and loved the homes he built for them. It was in Boise, where Bobby met the love of his life, the former Anita Smith. Bob and Anita married in 1999. Together made their home in Meridian, ID. Bob was a ‘shirt off his back’ kind of guy. Everyone who knew Bob knew of his generosity, his tireless work ethic, his rock-solid integrity, his ready smile and his wonderful sense of humor. He was totally down to earth. A client described Bob as ‘irreverent in the greatest sense of the term.’ Others described Bob as one of the kindest men they knew. His family called him their big teddy bear. Most of all, Bob was a family man. He loved spending time with his large extended families enjoying the outdoors: skiing, golfing, fishing, skating, camping, and assuming the role of grill master for picnics and parties. He took an interest in his grandchildren’s and many nieces and nephews hobbies and accomplishments with ready praise and enthusiasm. Bob was a faithful Boise State fan and attended many of their games with family members, cousins or friends. If you go to a game, and listen really carefully, you may hear Bob’s booming voice cheering on his home team. We cannot see Bobby, but we know he will always be with us. He is survived by his beloved wife of 18 years, Anita Gallagher; mother, Thomasina Gallagher; sister, Gail (Jerry) Gallagher; brother, William Chip (Carol) Gallagher; sister, Felista (Skip) Murray; brother, Kevin Gallagher; sister, Ann Gallagher; and sister, Mary Beth Gallagher; daughter, Tabitha Gallagher, from a previous marriage; step-daughter, Tami Vandeman; grandchildren: Ashley Tooke-Robinson and Sol Vandeman; and several nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Robert was preceded in death by his father, William Gallagher IV, and in-laws, Charles and Silvie Smith. The family wishes to extend their thanks to family and friends, who gave support during his illness and the employees of MSTI (Saint Luke’s Tumor Institute) and Saint Luke’s Hospice. In lieu of flowers please make donations to either MSTI (Saint Luke’s Tumor Institute) or Saint Luke’s Hospice. A Funeral Service will be held at Holy Apostles Church, 6300 N. Meridian Road, Meridian on Saturday February 24th, 2018. The Rosary will be said at 10 AM with Mass at 11 AM.