John Douglas Gallagher

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Gallagher on March 21, 2015, one week before his 84thbirthday. He died peacefully in the palliative care wing of the Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg, with his wife and children by his side. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dolores (Pawley), and his children Michael (Alison), Lauren Taylor (Scott), Elizabeth Newlands (Dave) and Lee Ingram (Brian) as well as wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John was a wonderful man who was loved and respected by all who knew him. He lived in Caledon for most of his life, being a member of the Caledon Riding Club since 1963. He flew for Air Canada for 40 years, beginning with flying DC-3’s to Winnipeg, and ending his career as Captain on the 747 flying to Mumbai.  A man of many interests and a drive for life-long learning, he also served as an airline accident investigator and wrote a monthly column for Canadian Aviation addressing safety issues in the aviation world.  Upon retiring he enjoyed gardening, skiing, and completed a novel, The Airline Conspiracy, which was published and delivered to his children just a week before his passing. The family would like to express their appreciation to the wonderful doctors and nurses who cared for him so efficiently and compassionately. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A “Celebration of Life” for family and friends will be held in Caledon at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.