John James Gallinaugh

Born on August 5, 1952, in Rockaway Beach, New York, John was the beloved son of Jack and Eileen Gallinaugh. From an early age, he stood out—not only for his natural athletic ability, but for his quick wit, boundless confidence, and a well-known penchant for trouble that never quite left him.

John grew up in New York, where he became a stand out basketball player at Brooklyn Preparatory School. In 1971, his talent carried him north to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he joined Saint Mary’s University. There, John cemented his legacy as one of the greatest point guards the program has ever seen. He served as Team Captain of the 1973 CIAU Championship Team and was named to the CIAU All-Star Team that same year. He was widely regarded as a premier performer—competitive, brilliant on the court, and a natural leader. John was inducted into the Saint Mary’s University Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. The 1973 Saint Mary's University Men’s Basketball Team was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. Those who knew the game knew this truth well: there will never be another point guard like John Gallinaugh.

After earning his Bachelor of Commerce, John went on to obtain his Bachelor of Education and made Halifax his permanent home. His drive and charisma translated seamlessly into the business world. He began his professional career with Pitney Bowes, where he quickly distinguished himself as a talented and relentless salesman. Fueled by a fierce entrepreneurial spirit, John went on to build and lead several successful companies over the course of his career.

His final and most impactful professional chapter was as co-founder of LifeRaft, a global software company dedicated to meeting the evolving security needs of organizations worldwide. Following his retirement, John remained actively engaged as a member of the Board of Directors, while prioritizing what mattered most to him — time with his family.

John found great joy on the golf course. A member of Ashburn Golf Club since 1989, he could reliably be found taking his opening drive bright and early every Saturday and Sunday.

John was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Eileen Gallinaugh, and by his beloved wife, Jane.

He will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Jack (Sarah) and Bill (Madeline); his cherished grandsons, Joshua and Matthew; his siblings, Eileen McClernon (Tom), Deborah Gaughan (Tim), Stephen Gallinaugh (Jennifer), and Noreen Donnegan, wife of the late Tom Donnegan; many nieces and nephews; and by his partner, Melanie Ross, who tirelessly supported and cared for him in his final days.

John will also be remembered by an endless circle of friends — those he held close since childhood, the important relationships he built on and off the court, business partners, neighbours and more: to John, friends were family.

John had an extraordinary ability to prioritize the right things in life. No matter how full his calendar or how high the stakes, he never missed the moments that mattered. He showed up—for milestones, celebrations, challenges, and quiet everyday moments. He met life’s challenges with strength, confidence, and humour, never losing sight of the deep, meaningful relationships that mattered most. He had a way of inspiring you to be better and to expect more of yourself, just by knowing him.

Above all else, John was a father first. He took immense pride in his sons, Jack and Bill, and nothing meant more to him than the men they became. He often said they were “the best thing he ever did”.

John will be remembered for his sharp mind, competitive determination, unwavering generosity, and unmistakable presence. He lived boldly, loved deeply, and left a lasting mark on every court, boardroom, and room he entered. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. A funeral mass will take place at Stella Maris Parish (Saint Michael), 14 St. Michael’s Ave. in Halifax on Saturday, January 31st at 11am. A celebration of life will immediately follow at Ashburn Golf Course, 3250 Joseph Howe Drive.