Former competitor, coach, horse show organizer, judge and technical delegate Mike Gallagher of Codys, NB, passed away at the age of 68 on September 1, 2022, following a lengthy illness.
Born in Brampton, Ontario, Mike received his bachelor’s degree in business from Acadia University in Nova Scotia. He had a lengthy career in business and as an entrepreneur in the food service industry and construction/renovation industry. His life-long passion, however, was for all things equine. He was heavily involved in Pony Club during his youth and was the youngest member of the Canadian Pony Club Team that competed in England in 1972. Mike served in various executive capacities on the boards of directors for the New Brunswick Equestrian Association, Horse Trials New Brunswick, Horse Trials Canada, Canadian Eventing, Canadian Eventing High Performance, and Equine Canada Sport Council. He was the Canadian Olympic director for Equestrian, Equine Canada FEI representative, team leader equestrian and chef d’équipe at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, team leader at the Pan American Games in Rio, chef de mission at WEG in Aachen Germany in 2006, and director, then president (2009) of Equine Canada. Along with his wife, Alison, they operated Gallaway Ridge Training Centre in Hampton, NB, for many years.
Mike will be remembered for his kindness, dedication and leadership in Canada and internationally. He was well-known as a tireless “fixer” who could solve any problem that arose; close friend and former colleague Kerri McGregor commented on his passing that his favourite expression was “Just act like you belong here” (when it came to smuggling things past security or getting into zones where one’s accreditation didn’t give access.) Truly good advice for major games — and life in general.
In a Facebook post, EC commented, “We are so grateful for the lifetime commitment he gave to equestrian sport in Canada. Beyond our borders, his contributions to the equestrian world were far reaching. Mike Gallagher leaves behind a notable legacy, will be fondly remembered and greatly missed in our equestrian community.”
Mike leaves his wife of 44 years, Alison, daughter Denielle, son Adam, mother Dolores and many grandchildren. His family has asked that donations in his memory may be made to Canadian Equestrian Team, Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Liver Foundation, or to the charity of your choice.
More from News:
