Gerald "Jerry" Gallanger

Jerry Gallanger, age 87, passed away on August 7, 2024 in Bellingham, WA. He was born on Lopez Island on July 22, 1937, one of six children born to Walter and Ethel Gallanger. 

He lived on Lopez for 19 years and continued to be an active member of the community, attending the annual picnic every year.

Jerry graduated from Sedro Woolley in 1957 and worked at the Northern State Hospital for two years before relocating to Salt Lake City, UT. A proud veteran, he joined the Army and served his country from 1961-1964, spending time at Fort Ord and in Germany. He came back to WA to work at Boeing, and in 1970 he moved to Bellingham where he worked at Intalco for 28 years, retiring in 1998. Of the places he lived, Jerry particularly enjoyed his last apartment at Affinity where he made many friends and always showed up for Happy Hour.

During his lifetime Jerry was directly involved with many organizations. He helped with feeding programs at the Senior Center and Soup’s On Kitchen, and was the originating organizer and longtime member of the Northwest Singles Club for 44 years. He was also an active member of the American Legion Post 7 and the Moose Lodge. In addition, Jerry volunteered as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army and was a blood donor. 

Jerry was always ready to give a helping hand to friends or strangers. He loved to joke and his favorite saying was, “When I get the urge to work, I lay down until the urge passes.” Jerry loved puttering and making creative things with seashells, wood, and other natural materials. After his retirement, he spent many years travelling around the world, and enjoyed cruises and bus tours in his later years. 

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Phillip Gallanger, Cliff Gallanger, Jim Gallanger, and Patricia Kinsella, and his former wife, Dale Harvey.

He is survived by his sister, Rosie Sonnichson, daughter, Janice Irwin, five grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

A funeral service with military honors will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, August 22nd at Westford Funeral Home, 1301 Broadway, Bellingham, WA. A reception will follow. 

Jerry will be laid to rest at Lopez Island Cemetery.