JAMES JOSEPH ROSS (JIM) GALLO

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JAMES JOSEPH ROSS (JIM) GALLO It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jim Gallo. Jim passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 14, 2003, surrounded by his family, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Jim is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his wife Karen; daughter Christine; sisters, Rosemary (Ron) Barnes and Carole (Jim) Kenning; his brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his father Joseph and mother Carmen. Jim was born on August 24, 1951, in Winnipeg. He was raised in Norwood and attended school there. Early in life, Jim found two of his great passions - history and music. He was equally intense in his studies of both, devoting long hours pouring over some history book or listening to his first love in music - jazz. In 1973, he married Karen Abramson. In 1976, they had their only child, daughter Christine Angela. Jim spent almost his entire professional career in the field of First Nation history: first, with the Manitoba Indian Brotherhood and the Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research Centre and later, as a Manager with the regional office of the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. His accomplishments in his professional life were many and varied. He played a pivotal role in the development of settlement agreements of the Treaty land entitlement issue in both Saskatchewan and Manitoba, as well as in many other First Nation land claim settlements. Jim was passionate about his work and was extremely good at his job. Before illness slowed him in the past few years, he was considered one of the foremost experts of First Nation history in western Canada. In recognition of his many accomplishments, earlier this year he was awarded the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal. Jim was not a large person, but his measure as a man was the size of his heart and force of his intellect. He was a deeply caring and compassionate person, often putting others needs before his own. He was a forgiving person, always willing to give another chance to those that may have failed him in some fashion. He was intense and passionate in whatever he set his mind to, whether it was his lifes work for the First Nations of Manitoba or his study of music and history. Jim was a devoted husband, loving and caring father, and good friend to those fortunate enough to be among that number. Jim will be lovingly remembered and missed. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating Jims life will be held on Tuesday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m. in the John Black Memorial United Church, 898 Henderson Hwy. The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr. M. Gabriel and the Palliative Care Program. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jims name to CancerCare Manitoba. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: EDWARD J. COUTU LTD. 680 Archibald Street 253-5086

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 2003