William Charles Gallaher Bill

March 9, 1929 - July 15, 2015

Bill Gallaher, born March 9, 1929, in Chillicothe, Ohio, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2015 in Prescott, Arizona, with his daughter, Judith, by his side. Bill served in the Marine Corps from August 1946 through August 1948 in Puerto Rico and then returned to Ohio. He met the love of his life, Alice Anderson, on a blind date. They were married a few months later on Oct. 26, 1951 and moved to Southern California where their first daughter, Jennifer, was born August 1952. A Master's degree was earned at UCLA in June 1957, a month after their second daughter, Judith, was born. The Gallahers moved to Orange County, first to Anaheim and later to San Clemente. Bill worked for McDonnell Douglas in Long beach until 1988 when he retired. During his years of employment there, Bill traveled all over the world, many times accompanied by Alice. One extended business trip took Bill and Alice to Tokyo, Japan. While there, they climbed Ft. Fuji and their daughters joined them for a time in Tokyo. Bill and Alice also hiked the Milford Track in New Zealand and Bill climbed Mt. Whitney with daughter Judith, son-in-law Zeke and dear friend from San Clemente, Jane Porphir. The family spent many years camping and later backpacking through the Sierras. They all share a deep love and appreciation of nature and wildlife, especially the mountains and forests. In 1989, Bill and Alice moved to Prescott, where he designed their first Arizona home. He had a love of trains since childhood, so Bill became involved with the Train Club and had an amazing G-scale layout traveling through their front yard. He later became involved with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build and design homes. He joined a local hiking group and volunteered with the Forestry Department. While in Prescott, Bill also rekindled his love of painting. He had pieces displayed on occasion at the Yavapai College Student Art Show and at Mountain Artist's Gallery, where he volunteered. His family and some friends are thankful to have his beautiful paintings to enjoy for years to come. In February 2013, Bill and Alice moved into Granite Gate in Prescott, where they've enjoyed a comfortable life together and a spectacular view of the red rocks and boulders. Bill was predeceased in death by his father, John Russell Gallaher; his mother, Katherine Moore Gallaher; and his brother, Jack; and sister-in-law, Ann Gallaher. Bill was a sweet, loving, adventurous, hardworking, supportive and patient man who will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Bill is survived by his wife, Alice; daughters Jennifer and Judith; son-in-law Zeke; brother-in-law George William Anderson; and sister-in-law Marge Anderson; many nieces and nephews; and a wonderful, huge extended family world-wide. A Celebration of Bill's Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to Habitat for Humanity or Salvation Army in his name. The family wishes to extend deep gratitude to the staff at Granite Gate, Canyon River Community Hospice, Prescott Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Home Instead Senior Care and Caring Presence. Sunrise Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements. Information provided by survivors.