Mike Gallegos

Hey!  Where Have you Been all my Life?

This is what Dad would say to you, Mike Pete Gallegos passed away April 20, 2017 from natural causes. He was born June 29, 1925 in Cebolla, New Mexico. He is preceded in death by his parents, Felicita and Gorgonio and siblings Mary, Adolf and Celedonio. His family will be waiting to see him. He is survived by his wife, Jennie and children: daughter, Ruby LeeAnn Martin, sons, Michael Ray, Johnny Pete, Mark Anthony, and Celedonio Rudy (Celly).

As he would tell you, Dad always felt his greatest accomplishment that brought happiness was his beautiful wife, children, grand children and great grandchildren. He was married to the love of his life, his stunning, and beautiful wife Juanita (Jennie) for 62 years and started their beautiful family that brought them their greatest joy of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dad and mom shared a rare and lovely companionship. As Dad would say about our mother, “true love stands by each other’s side on good days, and stands even closer on bad days.” As testimony, our mother never left his side.

He was very proud his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; which as he would say, all of his little coconuts: 15 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He cherished his family and the times spent gathered together; barbequing, camping, fishing, and family gatherings. Growing up, we had Friday night movies, and venturing out to see cousins. Dad was passionate about celebrating holidays and birthdays with all his family and friends.

He began his military career drafted at 17. He had passion, he wanted to make our world safer, he loved traveling and the purpose it brought. He is a WWII veteran and a proud one. Dad retired from Hill Air Force base as an aircraft refueler. His heart and soul was about music! He had talent with every instrument; guitar, saxiphone, and the clarinet. He was a tap dancer and he serenaded all who danced with him. He was charming and dazzled you the way legendary Fred Astair would, only in a grander way.

The Gallegos family, would like to thank his CNS team who provided exceptional care in the comfort of his home during the most challenging period of his life. For his team of Doctors and nurses, we are blessed to have you caring for Dad. We will forever be grateful to each and every one of you.

The legacy Dad leaves us all with is to never judge a book by its cover, and to lead by example with love, and compassion for humanity.  He will forever be in our lives as he said on his last days, “all good things come to an end but this is not a good bye, its till next time”.

In closing, on behalf of Dad, “the world is the same you never change it, as sure as the stars shine above. Well, you’re nobody till somebody love you, so find yourself somebody to love.”- Dean Martin

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 210 South Chapel Street, Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit family Monday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.  A Vigil with Rosary will be held 7:30 p.m.  Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.