William Gallegos Obituary

William R. Gallegos, age 79, a Colorado Springs resident since 1959 and formerly of Grand Junction, Colorado passed away suddenly on Monday, August 24, 2009 in Colorado Springs. He was a teacher at James Madison Elementary School for many years William Robert Gallegos, was born on January 16, 1930 in Pictou, Colorado to the late Joseph Patrick and Martha Mestas Gallegos. He was a graduate of Grand Junction High School and University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. He served in the United States Air Force for four years. He married Alice “Faye� Jarrett on September 21, 1953 in Raton, New Mexico. Bill was a member of the First Congregational Church of Colorado Springs, the Vista Grande Community United Church of Christ, and was a member of the Pikes Peak Roadrunners, where he was equipment manager and former officer. Bill enjoyed running, reading, visiting with friends at Dunkin Donuts, spending time with family and the Colorado Rockies. He is survived by his wife, Rev. Faye Gallegos of Colorado Springs; his son, Jim Gallegos of Las Vegas, Nevada; his daughter, Patty Gallegos Carman (husband, Cliff Carman) of Calhan, Colorado; and his sister, Nadine Gallegos of Los Angeles, California. He is also survived by two grandchildren: Heather and Garrett Gallegos of Flagstaff Arizona; and was preceded in death by his sisters: Maxine Falsone, Gloria Bittle; and an infant brother. To honor his wishes there will be an informal come & go celebration of Bill's life to be held on Saturday, September 19th from 1pm-4pm at First Congregational Church, 20 East St. Vrain Street, Colorado Springs. Memorials may be made to Arbor Day Foundation (The Arbor Day Foundation,100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, (888) 448-7337, www.arborday.org), Ellicott Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (EWRC, P.O. Box 75069, Colorado Springs, CO. 80970, www.ellicottwildlife.com ), &/or Heifer Project International, (Heifer International, P.O. Box 8058, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-8058, (800) 422-0474, fax (501) 907-2902, www.heifer.org). Bill will be remembered for his goodness and kindness to others. He was a master punster, but it was a kind humor. He was a smart and caring man. He worked to make the world a better place. He will be deeply missed.