Ronald Gallman Obituary

We still miss you, Lee, and we think about you. We are sure you have watched your nieces grow and thrive. We are so proud of them.
We´re sorry we have missed these 19 years with you but we still love you. UJ and AV

Hey Lee - Thought of you on your birthday yesterday. Wow - another year without you. Last weekend the U.S. had its first ever "Run of the Bulls" in Petersburg, VA. Somehow I knew you would have participated.
Everyone in the family is super busy so we don't see the relatives much anymore. I'm sure you would go along with that (J.K.)
We still miss you, kiddo.
Lots of love from Uncle Johny and Auntie Val

Lee Beau-
I think of you often. Especially when I see a car make a three lane change on the expressway! I love you my brother!
Murph

Ron, another year has passed and we still feel your loss. The Ronald Gallman "Dirty Rotten Scoundrel" Memorial Fantasy Football league held our draft last week and shared stories of you. You are still very much missed by all. Love you brother

Lee --
Another year goes by but we don't forget you! We're hoping you're watching over Taylor at Iowa. Big step for our little girl and we can hardly believe she's old enough to be there. I think of the picture of you holding her in your arms on her baptismal day.
Haley is queen on Madison Street now that her sister is gone!
Wondering what you'd look like now but all I can envision is the same old Lee with that precious smirk on your face. (Didd I say precious?)
We're exactly the same as the last time you saw us and we still love you!
Uncle Johnny and Auntie Val

Lee--Your special day is fast approaching. I thought of you when I heard a rabbi say, "And we still marvel how these people, so many years dead, can remain so beautiful for so long."
We never get your photo age-enhanced, we just always remember the handsome, grinning (we wonder what you were up to...) face we saw in 2003.
We miss you, Lee, and we're sorry you left us but our memories of you bring smiles to our faces.
Keep watching over us -- especially Taylor, now that's she's driving. Yikes.
Uncle Johnny and Auntie Val

Lee--HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! lord how I wish
you were---42 WOW! I remember the
evening that I got the call that I had a SON--I was so proud and excited--you
made me proud on so many occasions and
not so proud when you tried to kill me
while teaching you to drive stick in the VW--you were unsuccessful HA! you did become quite adept at crunching the gears--I miss your smirk and your
attempts to aggravate the Old Man-- I am still very very proud and forever will miss our "DICUSSIONS" I know "LOVE" is inadequate but thats the best I can do.

Lee -

Wow - if I have this right, you would turn 40 this Wednesday. We still miss you so much. Our niece/nephew count just isn't right without you, kid!
So I figure you're playing golf in heaven and havin' fun w/the angels. I can just picture it!
I wish you were here with us so we could celebrate together (yeah - like you'd want UJ and AV at your b'day party.....)
We will always love you ---

A bit of time has pasted since my last entry, but that does not mean you are forgotten. You are thought of and talked about frequently, and it is usually in reference to something hilarious!

There is still a void with out you. Our friendship lasted for sooo many years and I have so many moments to laugh at, but have no one to torture. I miss your honesty and the way you could tell me the hard truth, even if I didn't want to hear it.

I will have a beer in your honor over the weekend...I miss you butthead!

Love,
Dee

It's been 3 years today. God how I miss you! Went and had a beer with you. Hope you enjoyed it. We all love and miss you. Dad, Stef, Taylor, Haley and me; not to mention the rest of the family.

Love you,

Mom

We missed you on Christmas, Lee. Our party was at Joelle and Steve's and I remember when you parked there and had your rear view mirror zapped off your car. You would have enjoyed torturing, I mean entertaining Louis and Dominick. Louis got a vacuum and a broom and dustpan set. I know how you would have teased Steve about that.

We'll toast to you on New Year's Eve. You left us way too early, guy. We miss you and we love you.

It is funny how much time passes between entries these days. There isn't one day that passes that we don't think about you or how much we miss you. This will be the third Christmas without you and know they haven't been the same since you have been gone. You still make us smile and still make us cry after all this time. We love you Lee,Merry Christmas buddy.

Happy Birthday Lee!! I can't believe you would've been 38. I remember putting flamingo's in your yard for your 30th and that seems like just yesterday. I miss you so much that there is such a hole in my heart.I need to talk to you about so many things and I wish you were here. We miss you so much!! Love you, Steffie

Ron,



It's so different not having you with us. I miss your goofy personality (and our disagreements). I can't believe you had to go so soon...I think about you often and I know so many people miss you so much. You touched so many peoples lives and we will NEVER forget you.



With love from your friend forever.

Lee -



Another "bummer" day. January 25th just isn't fun anymore. We always miss you but of course it's worse on this sad anniversary. We hope you're playing a card game with Grandma or teeing off with a golf club in one hand and a beer in the other.



Please remember that we love you.



Uncle Johnny and Aunt Val

Dear Steph, Ron & Ruth -

Has it really been two years already? This last weekend's snow reminded me of how badly it snowed on the day of Lee's wake. The weather didn't stop anyone from coming to bid Lee a farewell, however.

Last week, when Steph and I took all the girls to see a movie, afterwords we went to Hooters to say Hi to Big Daddy. When we were walking in, Haley was talking about her "Uncle Lee" and how funny he IS. Maybe she really still feels his presence more than we can or maybe she just doesn't understand that he's not with us anymore. Either way, I wish we could all share that angelic innocence that Haley still has.

When we went in, Seeing Lee's (Ron's) "manager's" plaque in a shadow box and his photo collection in the hall, reminded me what a great loss his passing is to us all. At least his spirit is still at Hooters. :)

Our love to you all on Lee's anniversary. We still grieve with you.



xoxoxo Beth, Jeff, Maddie & Abbey

Well here it is, two years already!! I can't believe it. Somedays it seems longer and others it seems like just yesterday,but one thing is certain that we still miss you so much!Your sarcasm,your wit,your knowlege of all things important and not so important. Most of all I miss all that could've been. All the fun and you being here to be with the girls as they grow and maybe even starting a family of your own.We all miss you so much. Love you,Steffie

Lee -- We're going to start another year without you. That makes us very sad. We missed you at Christmas. There were many opportunities for sarcasm during the day and you missed them all. As a stand-in, your Dad did a good job. We had multiple children with an overabundance of gifts. It should have been a glorious day but your absence sheds a sadness.



We miss you but we think of you often.



With our love -

Well Christmas is here again! A lot has changed this year, but the one thing that never changes is that we all think of you every day and wish you were here! I have been doing pretty good the last couple months and then this week was like hitting a brick wall. Even though I have my family and friends everything here seems kind of boring without you. I guess you were definately the excitement in everyone's life. I miss you and love you. Merry Christmas

Lee, as another birthday passes I can't help but wonder where our relationship would've been as it seemed to grow stronger as we got older.The weather is getting colder and I am waiting until the last minute to put the hard top on your car. I know I couldn't possibly drive it anywhere near the way you did but I do find myself taking chances I wouldn't normally take while driving. With the change of the weather again come the holidays Mom,Dad and I dread so much. And it is really sad because beore two years ago we looked forward to them and spending time as a family. I always will wonder what you are really doing. We miss you and love you!!

Well, we off to Puerto Vallarta for the 40th Birthday Celebration, for all the boys. I cannot believe we all talked about this trip ten years ago and what is even more unbelievable is that it's really happening! You will be missed and many drinks will be had on your behalf.

Ronald, The Fantasy Football draft was another downer without you and your sarcastic sense of humor and skillful picks (Skip Hicks went undrafted). We're trying to carry on without you but you're missed mi amigo.

I went to see you today and I kept wondering how much hair you would have left at 37. You know that was my favorite topic when you were picking on me. I miss and love you more than ever! Happy Birthday Baby!

Happy Birthday my dear brother!!! Mom and I had a couple of Miller Lites with you today. We still miss you more than you can even imagine. Wow 37 today. I Love you!! Steffie

Dear Lee -- I cried for you last week. Uncle Johnny had knee surgery Wednesday. Whenever Uncle Johnny or I had any major medical procedure, you always called to see how we were doing. Steff does the same thing! When I came home from work Thursday UJ told me Steff had called and he said how much that meant to him.



I wanted you to call. I remember so clearly the call you made after UJ's previous surgery. You called UJ at the hospital and he put me on the line. That's the last time I ever heard your voice.



We're so sorry Haley will have another birthay Friday without you!



God bless you, Lee. We love you, we sure miss you and we think of you often.

This time of year is the saddest. You always loved when the weather started getting nicer. You would always put the top down on your car even though you were freezing everyone else. One time you put the seat warmer on and didn't tell me - I couldn't sit down for days because my butt was burned. I hated when golfing started every year because I cannot golf. You would always call me or text message me from every course to tell me you were winning, but I've come to find out you weren't actually as good as you said. Maybe that's why you wouldn't teach me to play. You spent so much time outside you were always so tan that even your eyebrows would turn blonde. You used to say I glowed in the dark and I would tell you it's because I actually work during the summer. Everyday when I think about you I always picture you in your shorts, a t-shirt, and those ugly sandals you loved. I love you and miss you more everyday. Love Ericka

Lee,

For some reason this has been one of those weeks that I can't get you off of my mind.I think of you everyday but some thoughts of you are harder to shake than others. Another holiday passed and we seem to do alright until Uncle Johnny says the prayer and "blesses those who have gone on before us" and that is where we all seem to lose it.There have been times,two this week alone that I wanted to call you and tell you something,or ask what the name of that wrestling movie was that was made in the mid-eighties.

You will be happy to know that the girls were so excited to get their annual "peeps" in their baskets this year so they could "blow them up" in the microwave. I am just sad you aren't here to teach them more things that will get them no where in life but are something they look forward to. I still can't believe how much I miss you. It was really,nice to get together with your friends and have a few laughs,Mom,Dad and I find a lot of comfort in that.

Love you,Steffie

Ron, It's been a while since I sat down to send you a note but I still think of you daily. Something always manages to trigger thoughts of you. Usually, it's a speeding BMW. I finally mustered the courage to visit Hooters. I hadn't been there since your Memorial Golf Outing. It's a cold and empty place now without you there barking out orders. There was a beautiful collage of pictures of you in happier times and they even framed your old General Manager sign and hung it in a prominent place. It's a nice and touching gesture for someone that was loved by many. A few of us got together with your family last month. Just being around a group of people that cared so much about you was a comfort to all. Speaking of “get togethers”, some of the boys from Fantasy Football came over to play poker yesterday. And, although everyone enjoyed the camaraderie it wasn't the same without you. I’m playing golf this Friday for the first time this season. My first Miller Lite will be drank in your honor. I miss you buddy. Johnny

Ronald:



Went to Arizona for some golf last week and it reminded me of the trip you and I took there one summer some years back....



I had somehow convinced you that the mid-summer 115+ degree temperatures were tolerable in AZ, because of the awesome discount golf course green fees.



In true "Ron" fashion, I came to pick you up at Johnny's house (where you lived at the time) at around 8AM on a Saturday morning. Unbeknownst to me, you had gone to bed (a.k.a. passed out) a whole 30 minutes earlier after a long night of cocktails! After finally getting you to come to the door, you informed me you had not packed yet. Your packing consisted of an old canvas equipment/duffel bag that you stuffed with crumpled Polo's, shorts and your sandals. If you knew Ron, then you knew it was Commando or bust!



The plane ride was interesting, as you were the first person I ever witnessed use the complimentary "bag" provided by the airlines while in flight! The golf on our trip was great and we still have our personalized bag tags from The Raven golf club to show for it.



So this trip, and every trip I have made since your passing, I use the golf ball with your picture on it to putt with. I couldn't hit a house when I was putting in AZ and somehow I feel like you have something to do with it!! I gave Mike Kamsiuk (old Carlos Murphy's GM) a sleeve of the balls and he putted with your ball too. Yup, we yelled your name frequently!



I'd like to, again, thank Ron's family for allowing me the privilege of using Ron's clubs when I golf. I didn't need a new set, but somehow find solace in the fact that I take Ron out golfing with me whenever I go. He'll still be "out golfing with the boys" whenever we play....and that is good to know.



Oh yeah…Ron - I shot an 89, 92 & 91 while I was out there which is good for me lately. Ray Murphy has already accused me of using the "Gallman Scoring Method" to come up with those totals....

I really miss you Ron, I thank God for the chance to be a part of your life, and for the friendship we had. XOXO Jennifer

Wow - I can't believe it's already been over a year. I'm not sure where it went. You have been missed every minute of every day. Nothing is the same without you. Life has lost it's laughter and meaning. All I can thank God for is blessing me with your last day and final moments of life. That is a gift I will never forget. You are forever in my thoughts and I will miss and love you forever!

Love Ericka

Lee,

today is the second worst day of my life---1 year, I thought a year in Viet Nam was bad---I'd gladly do the next 10 years under those same circumstances if you could be here for a little while longer---just to hear your voice and the sometimes serious questions that you would ask---not too often and always trying to sound

professional at the same time--we really miss you son.

love,

dad

I can't believe one year has passed since you left us. I remember vividly on this day last year I was on my way to work & a terrible feeling came over me. I knew something bad had happened.



I miss your emails & I missed your text messages this past Christmas. We all miss you so much. I know you are in a better place. I hope to see you again someday.



Love always....your friend,



Tracy Rutherford

Lee,

I still can not believe you have been gone for a year.Sometimes it feels like a couple of months and other it feels like years. This has been the hardest year of my life and sometimes I can't believe I still have my sanity althought you'd still think I am an idiot.

Today was the last day I saw you alive. I remember walking out of your house after looking at your beloved basement and the progress Steve was making and the fixtures you chose all by yourself,and in your own way I knew you were proud.And I was so glad I was there. I left that day thinking how sick you were and how those sinus infections always kicked you butt,really the only time I ever saw you down with sickness,little did I know the next day you'd be gone.The ironic thing was were were talking about Uncle Kenny being gone for 15 yrs. that same weekend little did we know. I am so glad I saw you,day and talked to you several times later that day.

I know all that stuff about you being in a better place but it still hurts the rest of us still here. I still share my life with you and talk to you and look forward to the day I will be with you again. We all love you and miss you, and think of you everday.

Love you, Steff

Wow! It's hard to believe you have been gone nearly a year. I still have the urge to pick up the phone to call you and let you know what's going on. I miss the banter back and forth, it really kept both of us on our feet. Mostly, I miss your friendship...the good, the bad, and the ugly, as you use to say.



This past year has been truly the worst losing you at the beginning of 2003, and then losing Bob's Mom in November. I hope that 2004 is one I will remember as a good year, so far things are looking up.



I am sure you are in a much better place and I am happy to have you on my side. I think of you daily, miss you more and love you lots!



Dee

Well Lee, it is here! The holiday we have all dreaded the entire year. We all still talk about what a great Christmas and New Years Day we had with you. You were so nice,minimal sarcasm,got there early and stayed late almost like you knew it would be your last year with us. I have to admit that part of me still hoped you'd call for that last minute gift you wanted me to get whether it be for Mom and Dad or me,but the truth be known it was a relief I didn't have to do it. Much less pressure this year thank you for that!! We opened gifts with the girls tonight and it was nice but there was something missing as there has been all year,I still can't believe we are coming up on a year and don't think a day goes by that Mom,Dad and I don't think about you. We miss you so much!! I hope you and Grandma are having a nice time this holiday. Merry Christmas my dear brother I love you very much and miss you so much!! Love you, Steffie

Christmas is coming and believe it or not I already finished shopping for once. Every year the dilemma was what to buy you because no matter what it was I always got the same facial expression. I would have to wait weeks to see if I would find it shoved in the closet or if you actually liked it. Of course this year everywhere I looked there was something I wanted to buy you. There were things for your house, a shirt, and I even found this collection of old Godzilla movies that you would be the proud owner of if you were here. I refrained myself from buying you things because I could hear you telling me that I am a complete psycho, but let's face the fact that's what you loved about me. I remember you saying it was highly entertaining and amusing to watch me be psycho. So right now you are probably laughing and enjoying every minute of this. I love you, miss you and wish you were here. Love Ericka!!!

Lee,I can't even believe another holiday is going to be here soon and this one you'd actually show up at so this one will be hard. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and wonder what you are doing and if you are ok. It still amazes me how quickly life can change and you never think it is possible until it happens and you never think it will happen to you.I drove by you house the other day and cried until I couldn't see,it seems different even though it doesn't look that way and then I heard you call me a "psycho" with that grin of yours and it made me smile. Mom and Dad miss you so much and it hurts me to see them in so much pain. Everyone else misses you too. The family will miss you on Thanksgiving more than you can imagine,that means more black olives for us.. I love you geek. Steffie

Dear Lee,



We want you to know how much we miss you. We especially thought of you on your birthday. We wanted to call you and then wait for your sarcastic comment. Ha. Ha.



There's always a void at family get-togethers. You would have loved Donna and Greg's party last month. Maria was there and she said, "I miss Lee, too. I always liked to look at him because he was so good looking and was so full of fun."



I talked to Haley and asked about her new kindergarten experience. "One of the boys threw up at school." I knew you'd get a kick out of knowing that this was her most vivid memory of her first days in "real" school.



I'm working hard on the Harvest Gala. It was so nice of you to attend last year...and to tell me that you actually enjoyed your evening. I sure wish you could come this year.



I bet you've made lots of friends where you are and I know Grandma is happy to have you with her. But couldn't you have waited a little longer for that reunion?



We love you and we miss you.

Happy Birthday Baby!



Sorry this is so late but this has been the hardest week I've spent without you. There are so many things I miss about you, but the one thing I miss the most is hearing your voice. Actually believe it or not I even miss your snoring. I miss your sense of humor even when it was aimed at me. I used to pretend to be mad, but you knew I wanted to laugh. You would keep harassing me until I did. Even when I was really mad at you all you had to do was look at me and all was forgiven. The thought of dying used to be scary, but now it's a comfort knowing you are waiting for me. I can't wait to see you smiling at me - till then I will think of you everyday.

I will love you forever!

Love Ericka

To My Son- Happy Birthday! If I could only see that "Duck" walk of yours, the 60 mph driveway arrivals, the junk mail in the wrong bag, the newspaper (sports section usually) wrapping paper for

gifts, and that sarcastic dry wit

with that sinister smirk--I remember teaching you to ride a bike, drive a stick shift car, and always with the inevitable loss of temper on my part--I look at Taylor and Haley and realize that we will never have any of your children to spoil and send home--we

were just developing a friendship

that was on a different level than

father and son--I believe you left at the top of your game, but the unrealized potential is just overwhelming--the only loss greater

is the astounding grief that has

visited our house and refuses to leave--Lee, I believe that there is

a GOD in heaven and you are in his

care--one day we'll be able to taunt each other again, till then.

My Dearest Son. Tomorrow is your birthday and I'm not quite sure how I will celebrate, but I will. Your favorite birthday dinner was chicken stew and dumplings, and heaven forbid, I forget the cake. You always found time to come by to eat. These past seven months have been the hardest I have ever been through. You are ALWAYS in my thoughts. I know you are with God now, and your grandparents and uncle and cousin, but I think I would give just about anything to have you back for a while more. I just wish I could have said goodbye. Know that you are sorely missed by your dad and sister, nieces and me, and all your friends and family. Till we meet again. All my love, Mom.

Happy Birthday Baby!

Dear Steffie,

This has been a week for laughter and for tears. I have been thinking back to last year and the belated celebration of Lee's birthday. We started the celebration at Rodity's in Greektown, then moved on to other bars. We had so much fun downtown and stayed out soooo late, Bob had to call to see if we were still out drinking or something happened. I got in SO much trouble coming home at 5:30 in the morning but as always, Lee and I had lots to talk about! I think that is what I miss the most, talking to him. Over the last several years, any time Lee or I went on vacation, we called the other when something fun was happening. I called him last year from Vegas at 3:00am, from a bar, Coyote Ugly, just so he could hear how fun it was. I have so many fun memories of Lee, they are what I rely on when I am having a bad day. I have been thinking of those fun times, a lot this week! I am sure you and your family are doing the same. You are in my thoughts!



Happy Birthday Lee, we love you and miss you!

Dee

Dear Lee,As your birthday quickly approaches on Wednesday I thought back to where I was a year ago as I have done quite a few times over the past 7 months and it was with you and your friends.We had a great time and a lot of laughs. I also realized two seasons have passed since you have been gone not to mention the holidays, birthdays,cub games,haircuts,phone calls,and the sarcasim.A lot has changed and our family will never be the same again and that is the one thing that I am having a hard time accepting.You will always be missed and hopefully someday we will be able to talk about you with happiness and not tears.We think of you everyday and still wonder why.I still keep saying that if I live my life half as good as you did I will be doing ok.The girls start school on your birthday so it will be a bittersweet day all around but is a sign of moving forward.Summer is almost over so it is on to the next season.So we will be toasting you with a Miller Lite,Red Bull/vodka,etc.etc.etc.and hope you have a great birthday.I love you Steffie.

Dear Gallman family,



Not a day goes by that I don't think of my friend Ron. He probably never knew this, but Ron helped me through some tough times. I will always cherish our friendship & only wish we had more time together. I find myself thinking often of the fun times we all shared.



As always, I will be thinking of you this weekend. I hope & pray for comfort for you all during this time, as well as for all of us that continue to miss him.



Tracy Rutherford

Dear Stephanie,

I just wanted to tell you not a day goes by that I don't think of your brother, I miss him so much he has a special place in my heart. Lately I have noticed little things triggering memories about him that I wasn't aware I had,little things that he said or did or comments he would make that I never really paid attention to and those memories I am cherishing so much now. You and your family are in my prayers I hope your 2 beautiful girls are doing great and I hope you will email me sometime and also pass my email along to Johnny and Jeff (Cane County Cougars).... Love Jennifer

Dearest Ron, Ruth and Stephanie, It is July 4th and I'm thinking of you today. The holidays are the hardest. I just want you all to know I'm thinking of you through this difficult first year without your beloved son/brother. All my love to you. xoxo Beth

Dear Steph...



Just wanted to let you know that I have been thinking about you a lot lately, as I have watched you walk your path of grief. The love you have for your brother is amazing. Although I only met him in person twice, I feel as if I know him quite well from all the stories you have shared. Dr. Robert Schuller once said, "In time we can accept a great loss if we have somebody loving us through it. God sends friends and companions to love and support us."



Love and hugs,

~Heidi

Stephanie,



I'm very sorry to hear about Ron. I know he was a great person from all the stories you shared with me. I wish you and your family the best in getting through this tough time.



Tim

Dear Lee



I've always admired your tanacity, you could cut someone into little pieces without a foul word with your shear knowledge of the english language and sharp witt. Your verbal assaults are unmatchable. It took me years to feel comfortable around you and to realize that you were somthing special. You told me once,to my surprise how pleased you were of the bond between Stephanie and I and how proud you were of our business S&S. I remember family functions that we conspired evil things against you know who. The time your mother had to break us up at the Thanksgiving table. You started it! squirting me with Taylors baby bottle. All the head locks,pinching and you unforgettable GLEEKING. I got you back with spitballs at Carlos Murphys. You stole my little cactus for your car but you could never steal my underwear! Ha! Ha! You did steal my Heart Lee. I love you very much. See you again someday.

It is 3 weeks ago today, that we laid you to rest, dear Lee (Ron). The days have passed slowly as I watch your family and hear of your friends wading through their grief at losing you. You have touched so many lives. Each story I hear is filled with so much love and so much sadness that those experiences were their last. Each person markedly remembers their last interaction with you. Including me. I only met you three brief times, but each time was stained with laughter. Okay, maybe that was MY laughter and you were cringing, but still, they are fond remembrances. :) You made every person in your life feel special, that is what I will remember about you, Lee (Ron). No matter who you were with and when, they felt like they were the person of the hour. That was a wonderful feeling to give someone. Every single one of your friends felt such a special bond with you....unique in every way. Go with God, knowing that you did not leave an incomplete life. You left a legacy of Love that will not be forgotten. Until we meet again, we will remember the lessons your life taught us and we will open ourselves up to feel your presence when we miss you most.

Lovingly, Steph's friend, Beth

I can't believe he's really gone and every day that goes by I miss him even more. It's hard to imagine a life without him by my side, but I know he'll be watching me no matter where he is... I'll always remember the way he looked at me even when he was smiling or should I say laughing at me. I miss the twenty phone calls a day just so he could say Hi and then hang up on me. I will never forget all the times we spent together and someday I might even forgive him for making me watch the Sci Fi channel. He always promised me no matter what happened between us in the end it would be me and him. I guess he was even smarter than I already thought he was. Baby, I love you so much and I'm happy I was able to tell you that day and I will always cherish and remember our last moments together for the rest of my life. I Love You!

Wow, it's been over a week since Ron has left us and I still can't believe it. They say that the good die young...so why did you leave us so soon Lee-bo?!



Back in the day, we were the good cop/bad cop behind the bar at Murphy's. We lived vicariously through each other...one the Playboy, the other the committed family man. You were the evil one, I was the good guy. We knew differently, little did most people know how much we were alike. How we were able to drop our walls and be at ease around each other. Sharing stories, laughs and dreams so effortlessly.



I still keep on expecting a "check-in" call from you to see how the family's doing? What's new with me, how I was doing? You were a big, cuddly caring teddy bear and I'm afraid your secret is out. Who am I going to share "Gil Thorpe" with now?



Following is a copy of the poem I wrote for you...I know by that little smirk on your face that you like it.



LEE-BO



Frustrating pest

Who loved to test

and exacerbate us all.



Gracious, kind

Surprises you'd find

Hidden behind his walls.



Secretive soul

And generous friend

Who confounded us, to no end.



Sloppy style,

Little grace,

Develish smile upon his face.



Insane driver,

A great sports fan

A guys-guy, a ladies man.



Laughing-crying

Part of grieving,

Hard adjusting to his leaving



Marched to his beat,

Like no other,

I love Lee-bo, like my brother!

Ron Sr., Ruth, Stephanie and family:



I am deeply saddened by your family's loss. No words can express the pain you are all feeling right now. Please trust that with time, you will be able to see through the pain & relish in the wonderful memories you have gathered from Ron.



Ron, we went back a long ways and I have plenty of great memories of being your partner in crime! For example: "White Knuckle driving - The Early Years" in your VW Rabbit; teaching me to drive "stick"; coming to visit you at ALL 48 restaurant/bars you worked at up and down Butterfield Road; your semester at NIU majoring in beer & poker, your hands of stone in flag football, your knack for being able to hit a tree with a one inch trunk with a golf ball from anywhere inside of 150 yards (still known today as a "Gallman"), and mostly that s**t eating grin...



Other than the obvious fact that you were taken from us WAY TOO SOON, my only regret is that I didn't get the chance to attend the Ron Gallman seminar on dating women! Yes, I do mean women, plural!



I'm sorry that Ray broke your car...If it makes you feel any better, apparently we didn’t make any new friends driving through Maywood, top down, and Ray wearing a red bandana on his head! I know that Ron would be laughing! NOT about the broken car and the fact we couldn’t put the top back up…but for sure the drive to the cemetery as a whole.



You will forever be remembered for your drafting expertise in Fantasy Football (Skip Hicks for MVP!) - and we love you for it... You will not be soon forgotten, my friend.

Ron,



Your friendship meant the world to me and we were supposed to grow old together. We did so many things in our 11 years but it wasn't enough. The endless times we golfed, our fantasy football club meetings with the boys, the Bolingbrook Flag Football league (and all my injuries), tailgating at the the Bears games, sneaking on to River Bend golf course to replenish our golf ball supply, our annual X-mas parties, and all those times we'd close down the bars and stumble out to our cars to drive home. We weren't the smartest but we always made it home safe. You were my bartender first, my roomate next, and my friend and brother when you left us. We never got the chance to put together our referee squad and Aidan will never know his Uncle Ron except in pictures. Rest assured, I'll speak of you often. You'll never know how much I miss and love you because guys just don't say those things to each other. I hope you're looking down on us so that you realize the impact that you had on the lives of your family and friends. Goodbye...

My favorite Badguy,



Talked to Big Daddy today..he made me feel a little better. Beautiful message from your sister..you are so loved.



There were always miles between us & we each had our own lives. But when we had the chance to get together I so looked forward to it. It was always fun & special.



I will welcome the day when my heart stops aching, the tears stop flowing, I can sleep through the night, & I have an appetite back.



I hope you're happy badguy...you've really done it this time! haha



Hope you knew of my love for you..miss you, as always...



Tracy Rutherford

He was my brother and I will miss him every day of my life.

Crazy things happen to me now and I somehow think he is responsible and up there somewhere smirking at me.He truly was my rock in which I leaned. He had his moments that he made me mad too but it was just to push my buttons and the older I got the less he could do it but every once in a while he would succeed and I would call our mother just to complain even though I am an adult I thought she could still referee and even she had a hard time because of his stubborness.

I did his gift shopping and swore that was going to be the last year and somehow he always seemed to get me to do it.

My girls loved him and thought he was the coolest because his car didn't have a top on it.He took them to Toys r us and bought them anything they wanted and that also scored a lot of points with them.

Our Dad and him would spar,but he was the one he called when he needed advice on how to install something in his new house and was the one who cried the hardest when Dad had his surgery.

He adored his Mom and was always calling me to make sure she was ok and that there wasn't something she wasn't telling him.

Kyra is sad too and will be until he sees her again. He brought her to our parents house so he wouldn't have to see her die, funny how life works.



I have so many memories of my brother that I'll will keep and laugh at and cuss him out over for the rest of my life, like the game "let's see how close we can get to my Steffie's face with a closed fist without actually touching her" OH MY GOD STEFF I AM SO SORRY!....PLEASE DON"T TELL MOM AND DAD.There were many of those games"let's pin her down and see how close I can spit on her face without touching her too"...OOPS SORRY SIS.All of those games came put of the same book.

But if there is one thing that came out of his 35 short years of life it is this; my Mother and Father always thought they did something wrong raising him because he was the way he was but as we found out this week he was loved by many, he has wonderful friends that all came together and what a wonderful tribute to his life it was!!!And he loved his job and was a hard worker. So no, I don't think they did any thing wrong I think they did just fine.

I will miss you everyday of my life but I know you are up there watching me and guiding me through life. See Lee, things weren't suppose to be like this we were supposed to see Mom and Dad go first and then fight over their stuff. I never told you this enough but I love you with all of my heart and you will be forever missed. Steffie

Ron,



You were so special that God wanted you with Him. I thank God for you & for touching my life. What am I going to do without you baby? We had fun together..there was more fun to be had. My life is forever changed & my heart is broken.



Miss you for all my days...



Love, Tracy Rutherford

Ron, You were so special to me. I'm sorry I've been so far away, my heart is so heavy - it's very hard to picture my future without you-I will forever cherish our friendship. Thank you for all the beautiful memories you gave to me. I love you.

The sadness in my heart is overwhelming & I will miss you for all my days here. I'll never forget the fun we all had at the Cubs' game or in Manhattan. I'll miss your cute, smiling face & your sarcasm & sense of humor...I'd do anything to see you again. All my love...

Your friend,
Tracy Rutherford
formerly of Clearwater Hooters

Dear Gallman Family - I am so very sorry for your loss! Ron, was a wonderful person that touched many people, and if there is any comfort in your time of sorrow, it is knowing that he was loved by many! Although I haven't seen him in many years, I will always remember his fun nature and that look he would get on his face when he was messing with you just enough to see if you would fall for one of his jokes or pranks! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Ron,

It wasn't your time to go. I will miss hearing your voice when I call Downers Grove. You were a pain sometimes but I loved working with you anyways. I know you loved being a pain to me more than anything. I will miss all your funny nicknames that you gave me. Love ya!!!

Ron,





Why did you have to leave?? I loved you sweetheart. I'll miss your cute face, beautiful eyes & your belly. I always had fun with you...I will always remember you.



Rest peacefully,

Tracy Rutherford

Dear Ron, Ruth, Stephanie and children,



I was deeply saddened to hear about the sudden death of Lee.I send you a hug and may you experience God's love and peace as you journey through these days of grief.

I will always charish Lee's warmth.

Lee,

You are the godfather, I am the godmother, I will do my best while on this earth to care, love, & protect our godchild, Taylor, you now are her guardian angel from above & I believe you now even have a greater power to guide our godchild through her life. You will be missed. Love, Kathleen

Dear Ron, Ruth, Stephanie, Haley and Taylor... Please know that you have our sincerest condolences. You will always be in our prayers. A month ago we also had a tragic loss of a loved one and can feel your pain and anquish but will never know how your heart is breaking. Please know we will always be here for you - no matter where or when... Although we didn't know Lee real well.. it is obvious he was loved by many... please keep that in your hearts and know what a wonderful young man he must have been. Take care .. we love you.

My friend, Ron, was always a great source of fun and of course mischief! We met in the most unusual way which, I referred to him as a "Butthead" and he in turn called me, "The Princess". Those nicknames remained, and we foraged a long 17 year, lasting friendship. Friends as loyal, don't come along that often.



Ron accepted his friends for who they were, kept in touch, even if it was a crazy voicemail at 3AM, and never stopped asking about friends he did not get to see, often. Ron's great sense of adventure took us to some fun places, Rodity's with the gang, volleyball on the beach, golf games, Cougars games, and of course, the parties(sorry about all the parties at your house Mr. & Mrs. Gallman!) and of course, we did manage to get into a WEE bit of trouble:).



I will miss the practical jokes that sometimes lasted 6 months, until one of us caught on, the crank calls-and no, I still don't want to buy a piece of property in the swamp, and your calls, just to say "Hey", that ended up lasting for hours.



The loss of Ron and our friendship will be a void, that will last a lifetime. Ron will always be in my thoughts and I will, for the rest of my days, miss him.



Dee

Ron, Ruth & Stephanie: Please know that our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with you in such a tragic time. While your hearts are very heavy now, we hope that in due time, they will be filled with warm memories. Again, prayers and thoughts are with you. Take care of yourselves; take care of each other.

Uncle Ron, Aunt Ruth & Stephanie,



Steve & I thought of Lee as an uncle to Dominick. Lee was so thoughtful, patient and gentle with him. I know Dominick loved to play with Lee and snuggle up with him on the couch. We will miss Lee greatly.



I am so sorry for your loss. I know that he is in a better place and watching out over us.

Ron, So sorry to read of your loss.

Our thoughts are with you and yours.

Jack and Rosemary Grossman

Dear Ron, Ruth & Stephanie: We are so saddened by your loss. Our hearts ache for you all. You are in our prayers for peace at this most devestating time. Love, Joan & Ernie

Our nephew, Lee, was one of the bright stars in our universe. From the time he was born he was always full of vigor. When Lee was a little boy he visited us in Texas. We thank Ruth and Ron for sharing him with us.

Lee was fearless. His swimming instructor said Lee, at age five, was her favorite student because he did absolutely anything she said without hesitation. He learned quickly and always wanted to go on to the next level.

Lee was a cute little boy and indeed grew up to be a most handsome young man. He was extremely competent as General Manager of Hooter's. He did such a good job at his own restaurant in Downer's Grove he was sent around the country to troubleshoot failing restaurants. His employees respected and adored him. His customers were his friends.

Lee was athletic and participated in team sports as well as golf and scuba diving. He had a network of friends that were fiercely loyal. His cell phone never stopped ringing.

Lee had class. He was proud of his BMW convertible and looked like a million dollars driving it...but we never heard Lee brag.

He was adored by his nieces and little Dominick. Lee was a loyal son and loved his parents deeply. He could not have been closer to Stephanie. He was the rock on which she always leaned.

We loved Lee and our grief is inconsolable. He called Uncle John in the hospital last Wednesday. He always had some snickering comment to make and we could visualize the imipish look we knew was on his face! We'll sure miss you, Lee. We won't forget you. We'll keep the wonderful memories alive in our hearts and at every family dinner we'll keep looking toward the door waiting for you to enter...

Uncle Johnny and Auntie Val