Bernard (Barney) F. Gallagher
GALLAGHER, Bernard (Barney) F.; 80, of Santa Barbara passed away peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2008, after a lengthy illness. Born on December 28, 1927 in San Diego, CA, Barney was a resident of Santa Barbara for 68 years. Being from a boating family, as a young boy, he was already an avid and capable sailor. Always searching for adventure, Barney worked at the Gherini Ranch on Santa Cruz Island during spring and summer high school breaks.
After graduating from Santa Barbara High School in 1946, with great pride, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Sapporo, Japan. After his discharge from service, he attended college at San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly. Shortly thereafter, Barney was hired by the Santa Barbara City Fire Department and then married his love and life partner, Patricia Ryan of Santa Barbara. He was extremely proud of his distinguished career in firefighting which included teaching courses at Santa Barbara City College. Barney retired as a Battalion Chief after 29 years of employment.
Retiring at the age of 50 left him with many rich years, enjoying his family, friends and travel. He enjoyed water and snow skiing, motorcycling, sail boarding and golf. Barney was an accomplished Ham Radio operator who taught the pastime to others. He was particularly interested in the history of Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands which led him to collect historic photos of the city.
His charitable work included serving for the American Heart Association and volunteering with the Santa Barbara Elks. Barney also was a 32nd degree Mason with La Cumbre-Magnolia Chapter of Freemasons.
Barney was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who is survived by his loving family including his beloved wife, Pat, daughter, Shelley (Marc Zadik), son Allen (Christine) Gallagher, and grandchildren, Heather, Marc and Evan. He also leaves behind countless friends who knew him to be loyal, humble and genuine.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 14, 2008, 11:00 A.M., at Chase Palm Park Center, 236 East Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast, 1528 Chapala St., SB, CA 93101 or Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara, 222 E. Canon Perdido, SB, CA 93101. Arrangements by Pueblo del Rey Funeral Services (805) 895-8409.