Michael Clyde Gallagher

Michael Gallagher, a man of many talents and a life well-lived, passed away Thursday, August 17, 2023, in Heber City, Utah. He was born in the family home near Mineral Wells, Texas, April 15, 1943, to Clyde C. Gallagher and Johnnie Frances (Copeland) Gallagher. The family lived in Milltown, Arkansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Denton, Texas before settling in San Marcos, Texas.

After his father’s death when Mike was a freshman in high school, he gave up athletics to work to help support himself and the family. Upon graduation from San Marcos High School, Mike honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1965 as a Cryptographer.

He earned his B.B.A. from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University–San Marcos) before going on to achieve his M.B.A. and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University.

In 1967 Mike married Flo Mayhugh of Houston, Texas. Together they shared a passion for education and a love of travel. The highlight of their lives was the birth of their daughter Lauren Elizabeth, October 31, 1983.

Mike began his teaching career at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi. A position with the Troy State University MBA program allowed him to combine his love of travel and education. During this time, he had the privilege of living and teaching in England, Germany, Spain, and Turkey.

After his return to San Marcos, he began as a Professor at Southwest Texas State University. His next job took him to the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, then to the University of Houston-Victoria. From Victoria he moved to Idaho State University and then onto Mesa State College (now Colorado Mesa University) in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he served as the President and later a Faculty Member. He had the pleasure of returning to Idaho State University for a time to serve as the Interim President there, toward the end his career. In his various roles, Mike shaped institutions, empowered students, and fostered a culture of excellence and growth.

In October 2008 Mike’s life was forever changed when he tragically lost his wife Flo. Flo’s life was cut short a day after her retirement, and Mike was faced with rethinking what his future might look like. After this life changing moment, he often would reference life as, “…a colorful painting filled with light and darkness. The contrast, or balance between the darkness and light is what gives the painting its depth and beauty. It’s the same with life, as the contrast between devastating experiences and good ones only serves to enhance the good times.”

Mike’s hobbies included skiing, hiking, and authoring numerous professional publications, cartoons, and poetry. Shortly before his death, he wrote and published his autobiography, as he wanted his grandchildren to know how he grew up. He loved building things and remodeled every home he bought, old or new. He was an artist; he painted, did stained glass pieces, carved a few ice sculptures, and designed and built unique pieces of furniture. He also enjoyed cooking his Texas chili. His love of chili cook-offs began in San Marcos with Chilympiad and carried on to the Terlingua International Cook-off and to cook-offs in several other states.

In 2011 Mike married Yvette Sherwood of Park City, Utah. They spent time in Texas and Colorado, before settling in Utah. Their time together was spent exploring nature, traveling the world, and regularly enjoying the amazing Utah snow.

Mike continued to work after his retirement in Park City. He enjoyed the benefit of free lift tickets each season he worked at Deer Valley. He also volunteered to teach Spanish to elementary students in Heber City, Utah. He wasn’t happy unless he was busy.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Michael was a devoted family man and friend. He was a humanitarian and often helped individuals who needed “a leg up.” He leaves behind cherished memories for his loved ones, his colleagues in the business and academic communities, his former students and classmates and his friends in each of the places he lived and worked.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Floyce "Flo" Gay (Mayhugh) Gallagher. Losing her was the greatest sorrow of his life. He was also predeceased by his parents, his two sisters Frances Clydene and Sylvia Beth Gallagher, his grandmother Mary Elizabeth Copeland, and his stepfather Melvin Whittington.

He is survived by his daughter Lauren Elizabeth (Gallagher) Bowen, her husband Ian Bowen, his beloved granddaughters Harper Flo and Sawyer Jean, all of Portland, Oregon; his wife of 12 years Yvette Sherwood Gallagher, of Heber City, Utah, his step children Amber Maxwell (Mikey Hohl) of Park City, Utah, and Ryan Maxwell (Brinnah Schmidt) of Grand Junction, Colorado; his step grandchildren Ethan Hohl and Akasha Schmidt; his sister Mary Gallagher Gafford (Gail), of San Marcos, Texas, niece Amanda Johnson (Steven), of Belton, Texas; nephew Kevin Gafford (Daniel Champagne) of Brooklyn, New York; great nieces and nephew Brianna, Abigail, and Luke Johnson; and brother-in-law Glenn Mayhugh (Mary Kaszynski) of Austin, Texas.

Michael Gallagher's memory lives on in the stories, laughter, and love he shared with everyone around him. As we say goodbye to a remarkable individual, let us carry forward his spirit of compassion, joy, and faith in God. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 16th, 2023, at MVF Church, 271 N 600 W, Heber City, Utah, at 1PM, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Michael’s memory to Cardiovascular Medicine at University of Utah Hospital. The University of Utah was critical in prolonging his life, and the lives of many others. Please include Michael’s name in your submission. www.bit.ly/Michael-Gallagher