Rudolph Frank Gallowich

Rudolph “Rudy” Frank Gallowich, 94, passed away on Sunday, January 6, 2013 in Sandpoint, Idaho Rosary services will be conducted at 7:00 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Dennis C. Day officiating. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the Bridge Assisted Living. A private family Memorial Mass and burial will take place in California in the spring. Rudolph “Rudy” Frank Gallowich was born in Crested Butte, CO to Mary and John Gallowich. Rudy was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fly fishing (he always caught his limit) and skiing. He and his brother John were known to ski all day, dance all night in his red suspenders and ski home the next day. Rudy worked in the coal mines until he was called to serve his country in the WWII Pacific Theater. After the war he moved to California to work for Ideal Cement Company. He also fell in love with Agnes Malensek. Rudy being an adventurous man proposed to Agnes on a small airplane ride and shared 51 years of love and marriage with her until her passing in 2002. Rudy was a hard worker and excellent provider for his family. Rudy and Agnes raised 4 children of their own and fostered children for 27 years. Rudy and Agnes traveled to Canada, Mexico, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand and the US. At 85, Rudy cruised through the Panama Canal. At 86 he traveled to Slovenia where he enjoyed the polka, speaking Slovene, the language of his childhood and visiting the town of Ribnica where his mother was born. Wherever he traveled, Crested Butte with its beautiful streams, quaking aspens and mountains, was where his heart and soul were at home. Rudy was an earthy man, literally. His green thumb produced beautiful summer vegetables and fruits and he tenderly cared for his begonias and cymbidiums. His trees and roses were pruned to perfection. He moved to The Bridge at Sandpoint Idaho in 2006, where he made wonderful friends with the residents and staff. He loved to entertain his friends with his harmonica concerts and share stories of his life. He continued to garden in raised beds and enjoyed outings and even a little pier fishing. Rudy loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved the simple joys of food, talk and family and friends. Wherever he has worked or lived he touched the hearts of many with his humor, charm and warmth. He will be sorely missed by all who have had the privilege of knowing him. Rudy was the last of his siblings, who passed on before him. He is survived by daughter Lauralie Haikin and husband John of Fremont, CA; son Larry Gallowich of San Jose CA.; daughter Celeste Ricci and husband John, of Careywood ID; and son Robert Blair of San Antonio, TX. He has 6 grandchildren: James Haikin and wife Valerie of Suisin, California, Tommy Ricci of Careywood, Idaho; Joey Ricci of Careywood, Idaho; Kristina Ricci of Seattle, Washington; Claire-Marie Haikin of Fremont, California and Robert Blair Jr. of Auburn, California. Rudy was blessed to meet his first great-grand-daughter, Athena Jade Haikin of Suisun, California and he was able to pat Kristina’s belly, which cradles his second great-grandchild. Dance with the angels, Dad! They are waiting to polka with you! We love and miss you. In lieu of flowers donations can made to: The Healing Garden, Bonner Community Hospice, Attn: Tami, 520 North 3rd, Sandpoint, ID 83864. www.bonnergeneral.org/physicians-a-services/healing-garden in memory of Rudy Gallowich