Dennis Gallagher, a longtime Democratic political figure from northwest Denver who authored the Gallagher Amendment and who was a happy champion of his Irish heritage, died Friday night time at his dwelling. Gallagher was 82.
A Denver indigenous, Gallagher was recognised as a kind-hearted and persuasive man whose longtime involvement in politics, his area group, Colorado’s Irish neighborhood and the Catholic Church established an amazing legacy.
“Dennis was a massive presence in Denver. For many years, his general public provider was reflected each day — not just for his beloved north side — but for the reward of our entire metropolis,” explained Mayor Michael Hancock, in a statement. “He possessed a sharp wit that was quick with an Irish phrase in any condition. Even though we may possibly have disagreed on a lot of difficulties, I under no circumstances doubted that he beloved our city. We’ve shed a storied Denver general public servant. Relaxation in peace, my pal.”
Gallagher earned a bachelor’s degree from Regis University in 1961, and a master’s degree from The Catholic College of The us in 1967. An orator, he taught speech, persuasion and media for more than 4 a long time.
Damian Strohmeyer, The Denver Write-up
Democratic Sen. Dennis Gallagher addresses the Democratic caucus soon after his appointment as Senate Minority Occasion whip in November 1984.
Elected to the point out Home of Representatives in 1970, he served two terms and moved to the point out Senate, exactly where he served for 20 decades. In 1982 he sponsored the “Gallagher Amendment” to the condition structure. The modification, which set guidelines and limits on assets taxes, was repealed by voters in 2020.
“There they go again. Corporate special interests are seeking to fund an more tax split on the backs of owners and renters,” Gallagher, who was recognized for talking his brain, wrote in a Denver Put up commentary just before the repeal. “Their most up-to-date ploy is the repeal of the Gallagher Amendment.”
Gallagher was elected to the City Council in 1995, representing District 1 in northwest Denver and serving two terms. He was elected Denver auditor in 2003. He served as auditor until 2014.
Amanda Sandoval, the recent councilwoman for the district, described Gallagher as a “true legend” who will be “greatly skipped.”
Dennis Gallagher will be deeply missed in our community. His expertise and enjoy for Denver influenced me my complete lifestyle. He was a genuine legend and will be drastically skipped. Rest In peace Dennis and say hello to my father, I know the two of you will have loads of catch up on. pic.twitter.com/Q6qkxCCOaJ
— Amanda P. Sandoval (@sandovalcd1) April 23, 2022
“The passing of Dennis Gallagher is these sad information for our neighborhood,” Sandoval explained. “He was a good friend, a mentor, and was so experienced. He will be tremendously missed in Northwest Denver. Relaxation In Peace, Dennis.”
In 2003, Gallagher was outspent by an opponent in the auditor’s race by 2-1 ratio.
“We didn’t expend a ton, but we invested wisely,” Gallagher informed a cheering group at Luna’s, a cafe on West 38th Avenue, at that time. “Isn’t that what an auditor is meant to do?”
A happy Irishman, Gallagher was effectively-recognised for throwing annual St. Patrick’s Working day gatherings and celebrations, that includes musicians and step dancers.
“He had a individual relationship with the Irish of Colorado,” said Anne Corridor, director of the McTeggart Irish Dancers.
Corridor met Gallagher in 1995, when his daughter Meaghan danced with the school. She died in December 2000 at age 19. Meaghan was buried in her conventional Celtic dance costume.
“I was usually struck by the strength of Dennis, due to the fact he adored Meaghan so a lot, and he had that remarkable toughness to carry him as a result of even although he was completely heartbroken,” Hall reported.
Susan Biddle, The Denver Post
Sens. Dennis Gallagher, still left, and Ron Stewart talk about the concern of recording votes at caucus conferences so senators and reps will be held account able.
In excess of the yrs, Hall ordinarily would see Gallagher at the St. Patrick’s celebrations he hosted.
“He was generally so providing of himself as a individual and as a public servant,” Hall reported. “He would give you the shirt off of his back again.”
In 2015, a 67-moment documentary titled “Gallagher: Just one of Kind” was unveiled and screened in Denver. Quite a few video clips with Gallagher, mainly all over political discourse, are posted on YouTube.
On Saturday the Gallagher relatives released the pursuing statement:
“It is with significant hearts and profound grief that we regret to tell you that Dennis Gallagher passed from this life on Friday night. Dennis passed peacefully in his snooze. As a bigger than daily life presence, not only in our loved ones but in the increased Denver community, the depth of our decline cannot be entirely expressed. As preparations are finalized, we will retain anyone educated.”
Danny Gallagher, Dennis’ son, explained his father as a Renaissance guy who was focused to his family.
“He was a wonderful father he was supportive of me and Meaghan,” Danny Gallagher reported. “He taught me a ton about unconditional really like. He taught me a lot about remaining supportive and loyal.”
Gallagher observed his greater aim in the Athenian Oath, which claims “leave the metropolis improved than when you located it,” Danny reported.
“He led by example,” Danny claimed. “He seriously had a vocation.”