Friends, family and colleagues of 37-year-old city councillor Wade Galloway are still coming to terms with his untimely passing on Saturday, February 15th.
His death has left a void in the hearts of those who loved him.
“All I ever hear is ‘Wade was just a machine,’ he was just a machine out there. Most of us could do maybe one or two laps a day down the hill, and he would do three or four. He was just a charger,” says Brad Gadd, a friend of Galloway’s.
Galloway was an avid outdoorsman with a love for back country snowboarding. He tragically lost his life in an avalanche at Waterton Lakes National Park.
The 37-year-old left a lasting impression on all who met him. The quiet, soft-spoken man was filled with passion for life and his community.
Galloway was involved in advocating for the new SLP skate park in our city, along with Gadd, who is a member of the Lethbridge Skateboard Association.
“He was a compassionate man and didn’t really like the limelight. There is probably only a handful of us who really know how much work him and some of the other members put into getting this to happen,” adds Gadd. “It’s sad to see that Wade won’t get to experience the skateboard park this spring, he just had a major role in getting us the park.”
Galloway joined Lethbridge city council just four months ago, a journey he shared with close friend and fellow councilor Blaine Hyggen.
Hyggen was the one who convinced Galloway to run in the election, submitting their nomination papers together at city hall the day of the deadline.
“There is some resolutions he and I have been working on, and unfortunately he won’t see them come to life, but I’ll bring them forward,” added Hyggen.
Even though he only served a short time on council, Galloway was always looking for ways to improve procedures and practices.
“It was never about anything other than working for the betterment of the city and the citizens,” says Hyggen. “It’s amazing to see what he has done, it will continue for sure.”
Friends and supporters of Galloway would like to see his work on the skate park honored, something mayor Chris spearman says will be considered in the future.
“We certainly understand the community need to do something. We want to do something and will respond at an appropriate time,” says Spearman.
Galloway will be remembered not only for his roll on council, but as a passionate entrepreneur and loving family man.
“We just want to say to Wade and his family that we are thinking of you guys and we will miss you, we will miss you,” says Gadd.
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