John Gallagher |
| Posted 2023-11-27 by Pat R |
| Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg, Arizona) Wednesday, August 9, 2023, p. A-5 John Gallagher passed away Aug. 6, 2023 surrounded by his family and fiance and life partner Lowanna Perry. He was born in Wickenburg to parents Ralph and Mary Gallagher of Morristown on Nov. 2, 1965. They brought him home to his three siblings, Lucy (Richard), Frank (Liz) and Mary Ann (Mike). From a young age, John looked at the world with a vibrant imagination and an artistic eye. He often flexed these gifts with rich, imaginative play with his cousin Paul, as they role-played, created costumes and visualized scenarios where small boys could do great things. John joined his father and brother in the family woodcarving business, R. Gallagher and Sons, at the tender age of 6. He attended Morristown Elementary School and was a Wickenburg High School graduate. John was an accomplished woodcarver and perfected the family's traditional Cigar Store Indian figure that is so widely found across the country and in other parts of the world. He specialized in unique carvings that included animals (real and mythical), cowboys and special carvings people had requested. The wooden soldier on display at the American Legion in Wickenburg is one example of John's carving work. John loved his family beyond measure. He is survived by sons Andrew and Jayden (Alyda); and stepdaughters, Nicole Hughson (Josh), Melissa Fay (Nick) and Cindy Esquerra. He had nine grandchildren, and his innate friendliness and kindness made him a favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews. Beyond his artistic work as a woodcarver, John enjoyed Warhammer 40K gaming and invested much time in the painting of miniatures and game accessories. He also enjoyed interacting with nature in the forests of Arizona and Colorado. He spent time beach combing, body surfing, scuba diving, riding dirt bikes in the desert and learning about history. He had a deep appreciation for nature and animals. He loved his several cats and dogs like family members. A Celebration of Life for John will be held on Friday, Aug. 11 at 4 p.m. at the Wickenburg Funeral Home (187 N. Adams St.). "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal..." -Irish Headstone |
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