Scott Gallagher Obituary

Scott Michael Gallagher of Durango, CO, died suddenly on August 7, 2022 at the age of 49. He was a caring husband, a loving father, and an extraordinary friend.

He was born to Sue Gallagher on March 9, 1973, in San Francisco, CA. As a kid, Scott grew up riding his skateboards and bike in the Bay Area. He continued to find joy in these activities into his adult years. After graduating high school, Scott worked as a wildland firefighter in Oregon before he moved to Nederland, CO, and worked as a

youth leadership instructor and volunteer firefighter. Scott started his firefighting career with the Durango Fire Department in 1999. His 23 year career as a firefighter put him in a high-stress environments, yet Scott always remained calm and excited about all aspects of his work. He truly loved his job and helping the community. As a Fire Training Captain, Scott not only trained new recruits, but also veteran firefighters in advance firefighting and rescue techniques locally and across Colorado.

In 2001, Scott met Karen Lucht at Durango Coffee Company. They immediately knew they were meant for each other. Scott and Karen married on July 31, 2004, in Durango, CO. On June 28, 2010, they welcomed their beautiful daughter Gwendolyn Brooke into the world. From day one, Scott adored Gwen and was committed to raising a resilient, determined, and adventurous daughter.

Scott was a force of nature with his quick wit and infectious smile. He was a perpetual researcher who would spend hours determining the best bike parts, the next road trip for his family, or preparing for his training sessions as a Fire Training Captain. His many talents and creative mind were shown through his adventurous lifestyle. He found great joy building and tinkering with the family's bikes while jamming out to his favorite punk bands. Family camping and biking trips throughout the US created lasting memories for both his family and friends. He could be found on bike trails across the West with his wife, daughter, and friends; cheering them on and finding joy in watching young riders show off their skills. They all looked up to Scott and loved riding with him (he always carried candy!). Scott's passion for bikes and biking permeated his interactions with others. Whether you were biking with him, debating the latest biking technology, or dreaming about the next adventure, his enthusiasm for all of it was contagious. Through the years, he and Karen took many raft trips and introduced Gwen to rafting before she could walk.The family also loved spending time on the slopes. Gwen decided to change over from alpine skiing to Nordic skiing these past winters. Scott went all in to support Gwen; he and Karen loved to watch her during her races.

Another love of Scott's was working on his van and motorcycles. He spent countless hours making sure his motorized vehicles were tuned up and ready to take him and his family on a great adventure. His friends admired his ability to fix his own vehicles, and knew him as the "go-to-guy" when they needed support fixing any engine-related problem.

To celebrate the joys of life and adventure, Scott would have encouraged everyone to enjoy a great ride (on dirt, pavement, or snow), then end the day finding the best ice cream spot!

Scott was predeceased by his grandmother Ethel Veenendaal. He is survived by his wife Karen, daughter Gwendoyln, mother Sue, sister Lisa Nelson, brother-in-law Chad Nelson, nephew Seth, in-laws Mary and Ken Lucht, brother-in-law Joe Lucht, sister-in-law Michelle Lucht, nephew Daniel, and niece Rose.

A celebration of life will occur at the Durango Powerhouse Museum on Friday, August 19 from 5:00-7:00pm. Due to limited parking and in Scott's honor, please bike to the venue, if possible. A bike parade will meet at the Riverview sports complex and depart at 4:15pm. A Go Fund Me Page has been set-up for his family: https://gofund.me?0f2971aa