Christopher "Guru Karam" Gallagher

Reverend Christopher "Guru Karam" Gallagher, a man who lived to serve, passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2025, in Forest Lakes, Arizona, while on his way to his annual Summer Solstice trip in New Mexico. Born on July 21, 1956, in Miami, Arizona, Christopher was the beloved son of Nadine Jarzab and Lionel Arthur Gallagher. He grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, where he met Pamela Ray, the mother of his cherished children.

Christopher will be profoundly missed by his children, Richard Gallagher, his wife Joyce Gallgher, his daughter Alyssa Nirk, her husband Brad Nirk, and his grandchildren, Riley, Celeste, Micah, Mina, Mikaela, Maverick, and Tobias. He also will be missed by his older sister, Elizabeth Gail Gallagher.

Christopher was a lifelong Boy Scout, instilling the values of the organization in his son, whom he proudly pushed to achieve Eagle Scout. He even taught his daughter knots and survival skills, often "dragging her along" on camporees and long hikes, sharing his love for the outdoors and preparedness.

His life took a significant spiritual turn in the 1990s when he was introduced to healing practices. Starting with red light therapy, he soon dove into Reiki, eventually becoming a revered Reiki Master and teacher. Christopher had countless stories of offering impromptu healing wherever he went—be it in grocery stores, at baseball fields, or even on roadsides. For nearly 30 years, he worked as a cook and then a server at Village Inn. When the pandemic hit, he fully dedicated himself to spiritual service, ministering and teaching as he was led. At the time of his passing, he was an Intuitive Healer, Reiki Master/Teacher, Gong Master/Teacher, Kundalini Yoga Certified Teacher, Science of Mind Practitioner, and a New Thought Minister. His impact on countless lives through his healing work and spiritual guidance was immense.

Christopher was known for his unique and deeply genuine approach to connection. He had a singular way of hugging—awkward, long, and often accompanied by a deep breath, but always a true moment of shared love. He lived to serve, whether through a healing session or simply a comforting embrace, providing what he intuitively felt others needed. He delighted in sharing "A Whole New World" with his children, much like the theme song he cherished and sang randomly, often surprising them with new experiences, even if it meant blindfolding them to try new foods.

His family shared a distinctive, dark sense of humor, especially when discussing his eventual passing. Christopher and his daughter even joked about cremation plans, right down to providing a "fridge box" from Home Depot for "roasting him in". Though he initially faced his mortality with a scary prostate cancer prognosis, he approached it with his characteristic acceptance of life's full circle, bravely fighting and beating the disease, only to resume planning for the future.

He was present for all his grandchildren's births and even delivered his own daughter at home, earning him the title of "Grand Daddy Doula" from his daughter. As the story goes, when delivering his own daughter he got down to catch and yelled "hut hut hike" to Pamela. This was a testament to his frequent inability to "read the room" that made him so special. If he ever felt uncomfortable or unsure, he would just crack jokes.

Ironically, despite being called the "captain of the safety police," he also introduced cliff diving to his children and rode a motorcycle, once hitting 91 mph, much to his daughter's alarm. Yet, he valued connection, keeping Life360 on his phone for her peace of mind, even after threatening to uninstall it because she was "monitoring" him.

Christopher was a man of integrity. Though human and prone to mistakes, he always sought forgiveness when he wronged someone and never held a grudge if forgiveness wasn't granted. He offered grace and understanding in return. He rarely said no to a request for help, selflessly assisting his elderly neighbor, supporting fellow church members, and guiding many through rough patches, embodying the Boy Scout motto he lived by: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

His Sunday hangouts—pool or hot tub sessions where mental burdens were shared—will be deeply missed by his daughter, as will his special bond with his grandson, Tobias, with whom he shared a unique understanding.

Christopher's legacy is one of unwavering service, profound love, and a commitment to living fully and authentically. He taught by example to do your best, and when you know better, do better.

The family will not be holding traditional services, as Christopher often said, "he won't be here." Instead, they kindly request that friends and loved ones share photos and stories of how he blessed them on the obituary page, celebrating the profound impact he had on so many lives.

A celebration cookout will occur sometime in the fall where all who knew him are welcome. Additional information will be sent out once the date and location are confirmed.