With courage and grace, Tom Gallagher, 73, passed away peacefully at home, on September 14, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born in Calgary, AB, Tom was the middle son of Jack and Katie Gallagher, who instilled in their children a love of exploration, inquiry, and spirited conversation. Family dinners were lively forums, fueled by Katie’s dutifully clipped “Frontiers of Science” articles, where curiosity was always at the centre. Although challenged by childhood asthma, Tom defied expectations, excelling in running, hiking, skiing and cycling. Some of his greatest joys were ski-touring and hiking with his daughters and road-cycling with close friends.
Educated in Calgary and Switzerland, Tom earned his geology degree from the University of Calgary. Under the mentorship of renowned explorer Leo Miller, he built a career that took him across the globe—from the Canadian Arctic to South Africa and Australia—discovering and developing mineral and petroleum resources.
Tom’s passion for geology reflected his broader love of the natural world. Geology, combined physical endurance with scientific inquisitiveness, always stretching him further and inspiring others to keep pace. Only two years ago, while living with a terminal T-cell lymphoma diagnosis, Tom placed third in his division in the Victoria 8 km race—a testament to his resilience and strength.
After retiring professionally, Tom continued to explore. He mapped the geology of much of southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands—often by bicycle—and remained deeply engaged in science discussions through groups such as Ocean Networks Canada, Friends of Science, regular gatherings with friends and through public outreach, including a YouTube lecture on Earth’s climate history. He delighted in encouraging his grandchildren and others to remain curious and inquisitive about the world, seeking the truth behind the headlines.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Christine; his daughters Erin (Lian) and Laura (Josh); his stepdaughter Michelle (Graham); and five grandchildren, Weston, Addison, Raife, Rush and Falyn. He will be deeply missed by his brothers Jim (Pamela) and Fred (Heather), and by his many nieces, nephews, and the younger generation who he engaged through his humour, athleticism, curiosity, and inquisitiveness.
To celebrate his life, Tom would want you to step outside, embrace the natural world, stay curious and share your smile with a stranger.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wikipedia, reflecting Tom’s lifelong commitment to curiosity and knowledge.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Gallagher” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Bonnie McMillan
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Greg Johnson Tom and I shared office space in downtown Calgary in the 1990’s. We did several oil and gas deals together & Tom was quite the gentleman and very pleasurable to deal with. My condolences to Tom’s family.
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Jeff Jobson On behalf of everyone at Baker Tilly Catalyst LLP, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in cherished memories and strength in the support of those around you. We are here for you and send our deepest sympathies.
To honour Tom’s commitment to knowledge and curiosity, we have made a donation to Wikipedia.
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Gerry McAllister Tom was a long time neighbour and friend of our family as were all of the Gallaghers. We send our heartfelt condolences to Tom’s family, as well as Jim and Fred and their families.
My sister, Pat and I were reminiscing about some of the fun we had growing up with the Gallaghar brothers in Britannia – the most vivid being the mock weddings held on the McAllister’s back porch where Pat ‘suggested’ the Gallaghar brothers act as alter boys while dozens of neighbourhood kids watched on with rapt attention (Pat, of course, officiated)
Rest in peace Tom.
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Margaret and John Coleman We had the pleasure of sitting with Tom and Christine at a family dinner the night before Kevin and Hillary’s wedding. We could have gone on for hours, with no shortage of topics to cover. We are Oliphant/Lake Huron cousins of Pam and Jim and know how close Jim was with his two brothers, Tom and Fred and their families. A lot of love and pride connects the whole Gallagher family, something the rest of us can admire and hold up. We love the closing words of Tom’s obituary, that we should think of him when we witness Nature’s splendour and Nature’s quiet.
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Debra Ann McCann Dear Fred & Heather ,
With a heavy heart John and I just read the obituary of your brother Tom’s passing. Our deepest condolences.
I remember Tom’s kindness when I met him in my youth , as our family’s were neighbours.
May Tom rest in peace in God’s love, and blessings to all your family during this sad time.
Debra and John McCann
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Chris Harris & Andreas Peuckert Fred, I was struck by the fact that Tom was my same age, yet now he is gone. It’s a sobering reminder to us all to embrace the blessing of each new day on this beautiful earth.
Though his time was too short, his light endures in his family and in the many lives he touched. As Seneca reminds us, “Life is like a play: it’s not the length, but the excellence of the acting that matters.” Tom’s life was indeed a fine performance…marked by generosity, curiosity, and love.
To be loved is the greatest blessing, and surely Tom knew this as his days counted down. The way his family gathered around him at the end is a testament to that love. We should all be so fortunate to feel the warmth and affection that accompanied him on his way home.
Andreas and I are holding your family in our hearts.
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David and Irene Hanley Irene and I are very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. A good neighbour, and, as noted in the obituary, his knowledge of science beyond his own field was amazing – I recall a lively discussion of vaccinology with him. In accordance with his suggestion, we’ve made a donation to Wikipedia. A life well-lived, and our condolences to Christine and family.
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Bob Leonhardt The 1975 U of C Geology class was a great group of people. I think that Tom was one of the nicest, friendliest and most polite people in the class. I did not know him really well but had a great deal of respect for him. I offer my condolences to the entire Gallagher Family.
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Andy Stephenson & Murray Carey We will miss Tom’s inimitable smile and zest for life. R.I.P. our fine man. Condolences to Christine and his family.
Love Andy & Murray
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April Wallace Condolences to Family, Friends, remaining Colleagues, close Neighbours.
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Doug & Sandy Chisholm What a lovely tribute to Tom. When we walk, we will hold him in our hearts. Our sincere condolences to all of you. His big smile, bright eyes and engaging personality will be truly missed.
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Margaret Smith My heart goes out to Christine and the family. I have fond memories of Tom and Christine together and I’ll miss Tom’s laughter and his spirit. God Bless
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Trish (nee Parker) Wallace Erin and Laura, please accept my sincerest condolences on the recent passing of your father. I remember him to be a lovely man with a ready smile and a great conversationalist. Thinking of you and your families during this difficult time. May you be comforted by your many wonderful memories.
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Rod and Jeannie Senft Fred- Thank you for sharing Tom’s story with us. Jeannie and I only met Tom a few times but remember him well. He made a lasting positive impression. The two of you shared many of the same wonderful passions plus that insatiable curiosity. Tom will be missed greatly by your family and friends. Jeannie and I extend our condolences for your loss. Losing a sibling is never easy. Losing someone like Tom is a great loss. All one can say is that he lived his life well.
Rod and Jeannie
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Sue Van Wielingen Thank you so much for sharing the story of your dear brother with us Fred and family. We are sending heartfelt condolences and honouring a life well lived and may Tom rest in peace. ! Much love, Mac and Sue
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Brant and Susan Parker Tom was truly one-of-a-kind. An extraordinary father, brother, spouse, friend, academic, athlete, geologist, and adventurer—the list of roles he embraced goes on and on. We’ve lost not just a remarkable man, but a rare spirit who always gave his full attention to those he was with and was the catalyst for many deep and engaging conversations. May he now rest in peace.
We feel deeply grateful that our paths crossed with his and are the better for it. We will miss him greatly. Our hearts are with Christine and the entire family, both immediate and extended. In honour of Tom’s lifelong pursuit of knowledge and learning we will make a donation to Wikipedia.
Dear Christine, Jim, Pamela, Fred. Heather and family. We were so saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. We have special memories of times together at Windermere. He was a wonderful gentleman and will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Bonnie and Bruce McMillan