Obituary of Morgan Gallagher

Morrie Gallagher died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on January 13, 2025.

He was beloved husband to Joan, and loving father to Colleen of Windsor, Beth (James) of Waterloo, Matt (Cornelia) of Toronto and John (Effy), of Halifax. He was the proud grandfather to Liam, Elizabeth, Sophie, Miranda, William, Isabella and Audrey.

Morrie used a lifelong passion for sports to bring people together wherever he went. While he celebrated many triumphs as a high school coach on the football field, his biggest win may have been the joy he spread as “Coach” while living with dementia in the final years of his life.

Son of a skilled tradesman (Morgan) and a teacher (Aurelia), Morrie was born in Detroit in 1935 and grew up in Windsor. He is a cherished brother of the late Terry (2007), Gail Morvay (1990) and Pat Gallagher (2021). He is survived by his devoted brother and sister Dan (Kathy) and Maureen Gallagher.

Growing up on Bernard Road, his mother taught him to “rise above” difficulties. It was there, and during summers on the farm in Ottawa Valley, that Morrie learned the warmth and connection of a large family that would later mark his ability to build strong teams and mentor teachers.

He attended Corpus Christi High School, now F.J. Brennan Catholic School, where he would return to teach and coach in 1965. His years coaching football and track and field at Brennan alongside his dear friends, the late Jim Hoffman and Al McNamara were among his fondest professional memories. It is a comfort to know – win or lose – that Morrie will be with “Jay Hoff” and Al as the Detroit Lions fight to get to the Super Bowl for the first time in history.

After 34 years of teaching in Windsor, which included time at Assumption Catholic High School, Morrie retired in 1993 to help grow Loyola Academy in Detroit. His dedication to the new school went well beyond coaching, with Morrie earning his school bus licence to drive Loyola’s teams to tournaments. In his “retirement” he continued coaching other high school teams and supporting former students, who themselves had become coaches, with scouting reports, game tips but most of all advice on how to bring out the best in every player.

Morrie was a master of seeing and nurturing potential in young people, a legacy that will live on in the community he loved.

Morrie was married to Joan, the great love of his life, for more than 61 years. They shared a devotion to the Roman Catholic faith and fun that sustained them during the ups and downs of their extraordinary life together. Morrie was blessed with decades of hard laughter with his children and grandchildren during countless celebrations and memorable adventures at cottages throughout the years.

Joan and the children are grateful to the staff at Heron Terrace, especially those on Birdsview who gave such loving attention to “Coach.” Heartfelt thanks to the many friends and family who made Morrie’s journey a little easier, especially Dan and Kathy for visits and entertaining stories, Sharon Hoffman for daily prayers, and Joan’s friends at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church who offered prayers, candles and support.

Morrie firmly believed that Jesus was his saviour, and that he would one day meet Him face to face.

Visitation will take place at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home - CENTRAL CHAPEL (1700 Tecumseh Rd. E), on Thursday January 16th 2025 from 6pm-9pm. Parish prayers at 7:30pm. Visiting will continue the following day Friday January 17th 2025 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (834 Raymo Rd) from 10am until time of Funeral Mass at 11am. Burial to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Morrie to Street Help or Second Chance Ministry.