Gallagher, Bruce Joseph—Sydney, N.S.
Former Sydney Millionaire—passes at 96.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother and friend on Sept.10-21. The well-known former Sydney Millionaire hockey player was born on Aug. 18, 1925 to the late Frank and Cathleen Gallagher. After graduating high school from De LaSalle College in Toronto he played hockey for the Oshawa Generals. In 1947 he came to Sydney N.S. to play hockey for the Sydney Millionaires and began a 42 year career as a Diesel Electrician at the Sydney Steel Mill.
During his time with the Millionaires they won several Nova Scotia and Maritime Senior hockey Championships. In 1948 the Millionaires defeated the Halifax St. Mary’s Club, the Pembroke Lumber Kings on way to face the Toronto Marlboros in the Allen Cup finals. It was a wonderful return to his home town and play at Maple Leaf Gardens in front of family and friends.
In1949 Bruce married Gertrude Short, daughter of Sadie & Paul Short. They had seven children Paul (Carol), Frank, daughter Verola, Kelly (Lisa), Bruce (Colleen),Brent (Caroline), Peter (Susie), daughter-in-law Gail Gallagher. Bruce is predeceased by his wife Gert, son-in-law Findlay Morrison and granddaughter Kiley Gallagher. Bruce and Gert were blessed with 20grandchildren and 3 great grandsons. His only surving sibling is younger brother Ted-91.
Bruce had a long history of coaching in his community: St. FXU (little X-Sydney), senior hockey teams, various minor hockey teams and Riverview High School. He had along career as a referee and as President of the Cape Breton Referee association his tutelage directed a number of referees to the pro level and NHL. As a true community volunteer he was a board member of the Sydney Steelworkers Credit Union for many years, baseball coach, volunteered at Our Lady of Fatima church in various capacities. The McDonald-Gallagher peewee hockey tournament is named in his honor.
Bruce was truly a devoted family man and stayed by his wife Gert during their sixty years of marriage and particularly the years she struggled with Alzheimer’s. He was never more happy being with his children and grandchildren in a hockey rink, at Ingonish beach or wherever his travels took him and Gert. Bruce had a great personality, always calm with a wonderful sense of humor.
The family would like to thank the staff of Parkland and Harbourstone for the care and compassion our parents received over the years. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. Visitation will take place on WednesdaySept.15th 4-8 pm, Sydney Memorial Chapel. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00am at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Sydney River, with Rev. Patrick O’Neill officiating. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, Sydney.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Bruce Gallagher 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia