California Obituaries, Los Angeles County

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The Downey Eagle
April 4, 1997 Volume 5 Number 6

Building official Bob Gallagher dies suddenly
DOWNEY-Downey's Chief Building Official, Bob Gallagher, who in two years with the City had won the 
admiration and respect of his fellow employees, died suddenly of an apparent respiratory illness in early 
morning hours Wednesday, April 2. 
A resident of Buena Park, he became distressed at his home about 2 a.m. Wednesday, and paramedics 
were called. Death came shortly thereafter. 
Gallagher, 49, went to work for the City of Downey in February of 1994. He overhauled the system of 
Downey building codes, throwing out those which were duplicates or no longer applied, and arranging 
those which remained for more convenience. 
A soft spoken but extremely efficient and hard working expert in his field, he changed the atmosphere of 
the Downey Planning Department, personally handling the counter whenever possible and making sure 
customers' needs were met. 
He had recently been appointed to the Buena Park Planning Commission. 
Both cities will miss him. 
Lee Powell, assistant city manager of Downey, told The Eagle that Gallagher's death was a shock. "This is 
a loss to the city and the community." 
Councilwoman Barbara Riley termed Gallagher's death, "A great loss." 
Councilman Keith McCarthy said, "This is very sad to lose Bob. He was a tremendous plus for the city. A lot 
of the business people were really happy with the service he provided from the building department." 
Mayor Joyce Lawrence said, "Like his colleagues and staff, we are shocked by Bob's sudden loss. Bob's 
friendly, common sense approach, aptitude for cutting red tape, and professional commitment to safe and 
sound projects in Downey are attributes we value highly. He has left a legacy of the highest standards for 
any successor. We will be adjourning April 8's City Council meeting in his memory and have expressed our 
sorrow to his family." 
An avid reader, Gallagher usually spent his lunch with a book in the quiet solitude of the Arch in the grassy
 area behind the Police Station. 
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Hillside Chapel of Rose Hills in Whittier. Graveside services 
will follow at the cemetery in Norco. Arrangements are by the Pierce-Crestlawn Mortuary in Norco.