Jerry Galleher

Jerry M. Galleher, longtime resident of Ocean Shores, passed away peacefully at Garden Courte Memory Care in Olympia on June 19th. He was smart, funny, kind, and talented. His family loved him very much. Jerry was born in Yakima to Marie Soll and Richard Lewis Galleher. After a childhood spent living a hardscrabble life in Bremerton, he graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle in 1945. He had varied interests, and his early jobs reflected this: sign-painter, soda jerk, aircraft assembler, and sea plane pilot, among others. He spent many happy years working for Pacific Marine Supply in Seattle, Later, he landed a job that made use of his artistic talents. He designed jewelry for Sunderland Manufacturers in Seattle, eventually working his way up to vice-president. When the recession hit in the 1970s, Jerry decided it was time for a new career. Along with partner Tom Larson, Jerry bought the old Bayview Building Supply in Ocean Shores and rechristened it Tom & Jerry’s. Tom left the partnership after several years, but Jerry and his wife owned the business until selling to Levee Lumber in the early 90s. Jerry met the love of his life, Dorothy Frank, in 1954. It was love at first sight. They eloped to Idaho and spent the next 62 years together. She survives him at Garden Courte Memory Care. He is also survived by his daughter, Jennifer Vroom; his sister-in law, Joyce Galleher; his nephews David George and Blaine Galleher (Kim); and niece Gail Galleher (Frank Flavin). He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Virginia George; his brother, Richard “Dick” Galleher; and his stepdaughter, Cheryl Pountain. In his early years, Jerry enjoyed flying and skiing. He and Dorothy owned a ski cabin at Crystal Mountain, but sold it after she shattered her leg. He never skied again. He was artistic and enjoyed graphic design, painting, drawing, and pretty much any other artistic endeavor. Together, he and Dorothy remodeled or built every house they ever owned. He loved to read and watch the Seahawks and Mariners. Finally, Jerry loved the ocean. He’d moved to Ocean Shores in 1977 and once claimed – in the mid 90s – that not a day had gone by when he hadn’t gone to the beach. He volunteered for many groups, but nothing gave him as much pleasure as serving on the Ocean Shores Beatification Committee. He loved seeing the town grow and hoped to do his part to guide it to a better future. At Jerry’s request, there will be no service. Remembrances may be made to Ocean Shores Library, North Beach PAWS, or the Alzheimer’s Association.