Obituary of Christopher John Gallagher

It is with great sadness the family of Christopher John (CJ) Gallagher announce his passing, which occurred April 30, 2015 at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton. He was predeceased by parents Nathaniel and Anna Gallagher (Brown), wives Alexa Smith of Dartmouth, Catherine LeDain of Ottawa and nephew Matthew Gallagher. He is survived by siblings Margie (Walter Williams), Catherine Casey (Brian), Jim (Valarie), Pat, Joe, Shaun (Deidre Green), Mary-Wyn Gunn (George) and Anne (Eric DiCarlo). CJ was born in Minto New Brunswick on April 11, 1952. In the mid 70’s he was employed at Irving Oil working on the refinery expansion project in Saint John. He later managed the Gallagher family owned IGA grocery store in Martinon, New Brunswick until his interest in theatre led him to join the Chocolate Cove Players Theatre Company in Saint Andrews. CJ went on to graduate from the Nova Scotia Broadcast Journalism Program where he greatly appreciated the instruction and mentorship of the late J. Richard (Rick) Green. He loved his years spent as a Calgary news broadcaster at CHQR and CKXL. He received accolades in 1979 for scoring a coup by gaining an exclusive interview with former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau who rarely granted such interviews. Upon his return to New Brunswick he assumed a management position at the family owned IGA grocery store in Minto. He was also instrumental in the planning and startup of Gallagher’s Dominion Hardware store also in Minto. Upon his retirement, CJ enjoyed living in Fredericton frequenting many local coffee shops and restaurants. He had special relationships with all the friends he met along his journey, and held a special place in his heart for neighbors Paul and Linda Simmonds. CJ was adventuresome and had a passion for history and travelling. He most recently enjoyed a Florida vacation with his brothers Jim and Shaun, where he enthusiastically visited the museum of one of his favorite authors, Ernest Hemmingway. He shared Hemmingway’s love of boating and dreamed of returning to Key West to explore waters cruised on by the author. There will be no visitation or service as requested by the family. Interment will take place at a later date at the Holy Rosary Parish cemetery, Hardwood Ridge New Brunswick. CJ was a real people person and loved to entertain his friends and acquaintances with his notable story telling skills. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.