Michael Gallagher

Mike Gallagher left our earth on Sunday morning, August 1, 2010 after a 5 month battle with cancer. He was born March 24, 1943 in El Paso, TX to his Father and Mother, Rachael DeGeorge. He was later adopted by his step-Father, Joseph DeGeorge. He graduated from George Washington High School in 1960 and entered into the Navy in 1962. After his term ended in 1966 he chose the career path of Police Officer in San Francisco, CA graduating in the 104th Recruit Class in 1967. He was a patrol officer as well as a motorcycle officer and spent most of his career at Mission Station where he garnered his many interesting “cop” stories. He received 3 Medals of Valor for his courageous efforts. He put himself through law school while working as a Police Officer and when he passed the BAR exam in 1979 he began his career as an Attorney. Mike will be remembered for his giving spirit and his love of music, traveling and exploring the world, most recently a trip to Belize with his family. He was known to not pass up a good drink! He is survived by his former wife and friend, Janis Feinstein, two children: Chris Gallagher and Kelly Reimers, daughter-in-law Toni Gallagher, son-in-law Eric Reimers, three grandchildren Natassia Jarvis, Mason Reimers, and Natalie Reimers. There will be a short service at the gravesite on Friday, August 13, 2010 at 3:00 pm at Santa Maria Cemetery, 1501 South College Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93454. All are welcome to join the family for a toast in celebrating Mike’s beautiful life beginning at 5:00 pm at the Olive Garden in Santa Maria, CA, 1210 South Bradley Road Santa Maria, CA 93454. Another reception will follow on Sunday August 15, 2010 at 1:00 pm in Englewood, CO at The Hacienda Restaurant, 10500 Bierstadt Way Englewood, CO 80112. All friends of the family are encouraged and invited to attend. Mike will be cremated and buried in Santa Maria, CA near his parents, and his remaining ashes will be spread by the family on their next trip to Belize in honor of him and his love for the ocean. In lieu of flowers or donations the family has requested that you do something to give back to yourself. Mike always believed in treating yourself well and never fell short of this dream.