Obituary for Peter William Gallagher
Peter Gallagher
May 21, 1953 - December 22, 2022
Born on May 21, 1953 in Hamilton, Ontario, Peter passed away unexpectedly December 22, 2022 in Calgary Alberta. He is survived by his two brothers, Stephen and Michael; niece, Madison; nephew, John and cousins Danny Meiklejohn and Lauren Wiezoreck. He is predeceased by his father, William (Bill) and mother, Eileen.
Peter was born in Hamilton, but, as his dad was in the construction materials (wall board) business for Domtar Corp, the family led a nomadic life with treks from coast to coast. From Hagersville, Ontario, where he first lived, he moved to Montreal before moving to Hillsborough, New Brunswick. After a few years there he moved back to Hagersville, Ontario for a few years before moving on to North Surry, BC.
In 1966, at the age of 13, Peter and the family moved back to Montreal where the next year he was given a season’s pass to Expo 67 and spent the summer exploring the World’s Fair.
Life was not always easy for Peter as in 1969 his mother refused to allow him to attend the Woodstock music festival. Peter graduated high school (grade 11) in Quebec in 1971 and got his first job over the summer in the kitchen of the Douglas Hospital in Verdun Quebec.
Peter initially attended Dawson College (CEGEP Selby campus) in September 1971, but a month later the family was transferred to Calgary to escape ‘sovereignty’ where Peter graduated from grade 12 from James Fowler Senior High. Going from a Montreal CEGEP to an Alberta high school was, needless to say, a major culture shock. In time many of Peter’s friends from Montreal would follow in his footsteps and set up shop in Calgary (maybe spent time at the Summit, Highlander or Beacon?).
Upon graduation, Peter worked for Ganong Candies then was hired by Bapco Paints where he embarked on a new life and career path in house painting and decorating.
At Bapco, he met new friends and colleagues that he would retain for the rest of his life. Peter moved to Décor 8 on the retail side before transitioning to become a painting contractor.
Peter’s life took another major turn in 1973 following a run in with the law which eventually saw his driver’s license suspended for a year. Living in Calgary without a driver’s license wasn’t much fun so he bought a one year round-the-world airline ticket.
From this point on Peter would travel internationally regularly with visits to New Zealand, Australia and Korea. But most often Pete’s destination was Thailand. On one of these trips Peter met his first wife, Moi Preyanood and married her in 1990. Years later he would meet his second wife, Saralak (Mem) Chaisak whom he married in 2001.
In addition to travel, Peter loved music and golf. He especially enjoyed jazz. He dabbled in piano, but settled on drums and played professionally for a number of local jazz bands such as Shadowplay with Brian Buchanon. During the summer, Peter (AKA PGA) could be found out on the links with a coterie of buddies that included such notables as ‘The Maestro’ and ‘The Pro’!
Peter was taken from us way too early and will be sadly missed - so raise a toast to his memory and Cheers!!!!
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Peter please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
May 21, 1953 - December 22, 2022
Born on May 21, 1953 in Hamilton, Ontario, Peter passed away unexpectedly December 22, 2022 in Calgary Alberta. He is survived by his two brothers, Stephen and Michael; niece, Madison; nephew, John and cousins Danny Meiklejohn and Lauren Wiezoreck. He is predeceased by his father, William (Bill) and mother, Eileen.
Peter was born in Hamilton, but, as his dad was in the construction materials (wall board) business for Domtar Corp, the family led a nomadic life with treks from coast to coast. From Hagersville, Ontario, where he first lived, he moved to Montreal before moving to Hillsborough, New Brunswick. After a few years there he moved back to Hagersville, Ontario for a few years before moving on to North Surry, BC.
In 1966, at the age of 13, Peter and the family moved back to Montreal where the next year he was given a season’s pass to Expo 67 and spent the summer exploring the World’s Fair.
Life was not always easy for Peter as in 1969 his mother refused to allow him to attend the Woodstock music festival. Peter graduated high school (grade 11) in Quebec in 1971 and got his first job over the summer in the kitchen of the Douglas Hospital in Verdun Quebec.
Peter initially attended Dawson College (CEGEP Selby campus) in September 1971, but a month later the family was transferred to Calgary to escape ‘sovereignty’ where Peter graduated from grade 12 from James Fowler Senior High. Going from a Montreal CEGEP to an Alberta high school was, needless to say, a major culture shock. In time many of Peter’s friends from Montreal would follow in his footsteps and set up shop in Calgary (maybe spent time at the Summit, Highlander or Beacon?).
Upon graduation, Peter worked for Ganong Candies then was hired by Bapco Paints where he embarked on a new life and career path in house painting and decorating.
At Bapco, he met new friends and colleagues that he would retain for the rest of his life. Peter moved to Décor 8 on the retail side before transitioning to become a painting contractor.
Peter’s life took another major turn in 1973 following a run in with the law which eventually saw his driver’s license suspended for a year. Living in Calgary without a driver’s license wasn’t much fun so he bought a one year round-the-world airline ticket.
From this point on Peter would travel internationally regularly with visits to New Zealand, Australia and Korea. But most often Pete’s destination was Thailand. On one of these trips Peter met his first wife, Moi Preyanood and married her in 1990. Years later he would meet his second wife, Saralak (Mem) Chaisak whom he married in 2001.
In addition to travel, Peter loved music and golf. He especially enjoyed jazz. He dabbled in piano, but settled on drums and played professionally for a number of local jazz bands such as Shadowplay with Brian Buchanon. During the summer, Peter (AKA PGA) could be found out on the links with a coterie of buddies that included such notables as ‘The Maestro’ and ‘The Pro’!
Peter was taken from us way too early and will be sadly missed - so raise a toast to his memory and Cheers!!!!
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Peter please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.