Obituary of Alex Galley

The strongest limb of our family tree has fallen.

We are heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of Alexander Henry Galley II on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the age of 80. Lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his loving wife and best friend Toni Galley of 56 years, his loving daughters Amanda, Andrea, Pamela and Patricia, sons-in-law Gamil, Darryl, Randall ‘Randy’, and Angus, his adoring grandchildren Olivia, Sarah, Alexander Henry III, Zoë, Meghan, Sophie, Mia, Russell and Lora, and great grandson Lucas. Also deeply missed by his sisters-in-law Janet and Tina, brothers-in-law Michael and Charlie, several nieces and nephews and his sister Helen. Alex is predeceased by his beloved parents Alexander Henry Galley and Beatrice Barnes. It is of comfort for us knowing you are with them now.

Alex was born in Montreal where he spent his childhood playing hockey and football and despite a few stories of unsportsmanlike conduct, he walked through life like he was leading a team. His big, strong presence was beautifully balanced with a huge and loving heart, forever guided by his unwavering faith. While sports and the church played important roles in his life, it was clear to anyone who knew him that his father was his most profound influence. His father, who grew up in an Irish Catholic orphanage, instilled in him a strong work ethic balanced with a passion for life (and being the life of a party). Alex carried these values throughout his life, becoming an intrepid entrepreneur and a computer industry pioneer who enjoyed great success but never forgot that he started as a plumber.

A charming ladies man, those Irish eyes could captivate many women and while we are certain they did, there was only one woman who captivated him. The minute he met Toni, he lept over every scandalous hurdle to start their life journey together. Their deep love and friendship carried them through a remarkable 56-year adventure across many countries and countless experiences. The greatest of these was welcoming four daughters into their lives. Their love for each other was profound, and until their last day together, they could be found holding hands wherever they went—a true example of a life well loved.

To his four daughters, he was the original ‘girldad’. He said that he never wished for a son and took great pride in encouraging the attainment of any dream regardless of obstacles. As little girls, his stories of four little fairies lit their hearts and imaginations cementing Mr. Bear as their hero. As women, his pride and encouragement was the foundation of endless possibilities which were often explored at length with a glass (or three) of wine in hand. Though he insisted he never wanted sons, he embraced their husbands with open arms, and they proudly became the sons he never had.  They, in turn, loved him like a father.

Loved with wild abandon by his grandchildren and great grandson, he never missed an opportunity to share a story, an adventure and learn about their lives and what mattered most to them and always reminded them to wiggle their toes before they went to sleep. A gifted storyteller, handyman extraordinaire, red wine aficionado, a formidable chef despite one radical attempt at marshmallow icing and a wild wanderer. Alex will forever be a guide to a life well lived and well loved for us all.

His love for the outdoors was exercised daily. While we are all utterly crushed it was this love that made you leave this earth too soon, we can hear you from heaven saying “call for the captain ashore, let me go home”.

In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to the Salvation Army Kingston Citadel, a charity Alex passionately supported.

A Memorial Service will be held at Payne Funeral Home, 178 Main St., Odessa on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 12:30 pm., with Rev. Barbara Mahood officiating. An Irish wake will follow the service at 295 County Road 20.  A private family Interment will be held at a later date.

Please share your memories and condolences to the family.