Memorial for Geoff Gallas

Good evening, everyone.

My name is Margaret Downey and I’m honored to be the Secular Officiant for this life remembrance of Geoffrey Scott Gallas.

I ask you to please check your cell phones to make sure they are turned off, so that we will not be interrupted as we reflect on Geoff’s life. On behalf of the Gallas family members I welcome you. Family members are seated in the first few rows and they will be greeting you after this memorial.

Thank you all for extending your love and support to Geoff’s family and to each other today.

In a few minutes we will ask family and friends to share sentiments with us, but I want to highlight a few things you may not know about Geoff.

Geoff was born on May 4, 1946 in Los Angeles, California.

Geoff was the eldest son of Edward and Nesta Gallas. Geoff died at the age of 70, on June 26, 2016.

When a person dies we may grieve, but we also accept that a life has been lived. It is right and natural that we should grieve, because sorrow is a reflection and a measure of the love……the happiness…… and the intimacy…we shared with the one we love who is now gone.

In a way too, we grieve for ourselves, because we know that our own lives will never be the same without Geoff.

The great writer, Walt Whitman said in his body of work Leaves of Grass, “Do anything, but let it produce joy.”

Geoff, did indeed, produce joy.

He was the natural father of four and a father figure to many others: He was the grandfather of two. Geoff was also a well-educated man. He attended Wesleyan University and between his classes and study time, he participated in the swim and football team. He was very proud to be a member of the Mystic Seven Society during his stay at Wesleyan. In 1969, Geoff graduated from Harvard University with a Masters Degree in Education. Geoff also attended the University of Southern California where we earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration.

His work at that time was as an ocean lifeguard for Los Angeles County. In that role he showed his ability to serve fellow citizens well.

Geoff could actually simply look out at the ocean and instantly identify both dangerous and safe swimming conditions. He was a true water man. So impressive was his work at University of Southern California, that he was hired as a Public Administration professor. Geoff was a leader in his field of court administration – a profession that lasted 30 years. He fought hard against corruption and injustice in the court system while he served as Executive Administrator of the First Judicial District in Pennsylvania. He held that position for almost 5 years and during that time Geoff amazed many of his co-workers.

The family recently received a letter from Ernie Friesen – a family friend and work associate. Ernie duly noted how wonderful it was to work with Geoff. Recalling first experiences with Geoff, Ernie said and I quote: “From these beginnings, my dependence on Geoff for ideas as well as execution grew. He not only went through the program with enthusiasm, he critiqued our weaknesses and sparked changes that made the program more effective. The youngest person in the initial class, Geoff introduced ideas in programs – ideas that never even occurred to the founders.” The letter went on with great affection and was very much appreciated by the entire family. Geoff was very proud of the business he established entitled “Ee-qui-tas” – that is the Latin word for “justice.”

He was also very proud to mentor and teach the next generation of court administrators – many of whom went on to service higher courts all around the country. The natural world was of great interest to Geoff He loved the beach, the ocean, and surfing.

We can just imagine the happiness he felt to be riding on a wave. As you visualize Geoff at the beach, recall how much he loved walking in the sand, feeling the ocean breeze on his face and watching beautiful ocean waves.

Yes, Geoff loved the natural world, but also his fellow human beings, his family, and pets. Many of you can imagine Geoff enjoying nature, family, friends and just being Geoff. He was inspired by poetry and I quote again from Geoff’s favorite poet Walt Whitman.

Geoff thoroughly enjoyed reading Leaves of Grass and the following is from that piece: “There was never any more inception than there is now, Nor any more youth or age than there is now; And will never be any more perfection than there is now, Nor any more heaven or hell than there is now.” End quote.

Geoff was well aware that everything that has life will have a beginning and an end. Nature is what is permanent in this world and our world is now a much poorer place without Geoff. Geoff’s life drew to an inevitable close, but what a full life he had. I ask you now to remain silent for a moment or two, so you can each remember Geoff in your own way. Those of you with religious faith may want to use these moments for your own private prayer.

(Pause for the playing of the song)

Margaret: The song you just heard is Santana’s Samba Para’ Ti. It was one of Geoff’s favorite melodies. Now, Geoff’s oldest son Alex, will say a few words.

Margaret: Thank you Alex.

Geoff’s youngest son Miles, will now honor his father’s memory.

Margaret: Thank you, Miles.

Geoff’s oldest daughter, Heather and Catherine, Geoff’s youngest daughter…

1. Are too overcome to speak, but they want me to convey the deep love and admiration they have for their father. It’s difficult for them to speak at this time 2. Have asked me to read their words which were easily penned, but difficult to utter

Margaret: Denise, the mother of Alex, Miles and Catherine will say a few words of remembrance.

Margaret: Thank you, Denise.

There is a saying that dates back to ancient times: “When you speak of me, I shall live again.” I now invite anyone who desires to share a story about Geoff to step forward. Please don’t be shy. You are among friends and the family who would love to hear how Geoff touched your life. Please step up to share and to bring Geoff to life with

your words and memories. We all know how much Geoff loved to hear a good story.

Option 1:

(Thank each person who speaks and move to another.) Thank you for sharing such wonderful memories of Geoff.

Option 2:

Well, it’s difficult to speak during a grieving time, so it’s fine to move on with the final thoughts I would like to convey to you all.

Margaret: To best-memorialized Geoff, please remember the inspirational way he lived and his successes in life. Ralph Waldo Emerson was another poet Goeff loved. Emerson said the following about success: “To live well, to laugh often, to love much, to gain the respect of intelligent people, to win the love of little children. To fill one’s niche and accomplish one’s task, to leave the world better than one finds it whether by an improved flower, a perfect poem or another life ennobled. To never lack appreciation of earth’s beauty or fail to express it, to always look for the best in others, to give the best one has.

To make one’s life an inspiration and one’s memory a benediction. This is success.” Geoff’s tasks in life touched every person in this room. Hold on to your memory of Geoff as a celebration of his life.

Adore the memory you have of him. The family thanks you for attending today and encourages you all to live your passions, surround yourself with love – laugh often – and live well. Like Geoff, remain involved with the world in which you live.

As we end this ceremony, let us resolve to be, like Geoff, to understand others without prejudice… …treat people justly…and fully enjoy the sights and sounds of our natural world.

Let us resolve to be more open to others, to make new friends and keep our longtime friends and family close to our hearts. As we bring Geoff’s life celebration to a close, please join the family downstairs where refreshments will be served and there will be time to see memorabilia of Geoff’s life.

Please sign the guest book and visit the memorial table before saying goodbye today. My sympathies to all and thank you for attending.