My dad went to be with Jesus. It feels strange to write this, but I also want to share him with you all.

My dad lived life boldly, proudly, and unapologetically—and I think that's something we could all use more of. He didn't care what anyone thought of him or who was watching.

He taught me how to float rivers, fish, dance and sing like no one is watching, wear whatever you want, and how to justify eating brownies for breakfast. Most importantly, he taught me how to love others like Jesus. My dad's heart for people and faith was what I admired most about him. He loved so deeply and so unconditionally that he truly exemplified the Father's love here on earth, and for that I will be forever grateful.

When I was a kid, he would drag me out of the house to do what he called our "good deed of the week." He intentionally set aside time to give to others—whether it was jars of pickles for the local women's shelter or toys for a new single mom around Christmas. He was always showing up, always giving and always making me tag along. Even though some days I may have dragged my feet, I know it has had a profound impact on my life and my empathy, and I can't thank him enough for sharing his heart with the world but also with me.

He gave me a childhood full of adventure, love, and telling funny stories from growing up in Butte, Montana—stories you'd swear belonged in a movie. He was the best storyteller.

He was my biggest cheerleader almost to the point of annoyance as he would make me sing at every family function or gathering but still I knew he believed in me and loved me and I love him. I know he is with Jesus and at peace but he leaves behind broken hearts of people who will miss him dearly and deeply. Butte and the world won't be the same without him.

My dad was born in Chicago, Illinois to Dr. John and Anne Marie (Welch) Gallus. He and his family moved back to Montana when my grandfather John completed his medical school and surgical training. My dad was very young and as we can all attest, Butte made an indelible impression upon his soul. He attended Hillcrest Elementary, South Central, and graduated from Butte Central in 1980. He went onto Carroll College and graduated with an accounting degree in 1984. He passed his CPA shortly thereafter and came home to Butte to work in the CPA office of Boyd Taylor before moving into car sales where he remained active throughout his work career. This career took my dad to Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho where he had also spent a lot of time as a young man.

His lifelong friendships are a testament to his kindness, loyalty and giving nature. The Johanet family of Chicago are friends my dad maintained throughout his life. Of the many stories he told and the many people he brought into my life I know to give special thanks to Ron Collins, Bill Shaffer and family, Frank Joseph, Bob and Billy Fellows, Alan Guanell and his family, the Daily clan, Steve Pomoroy and Chris Callahan my dad's college roommate. My grandparents were from Havre, MT so my dad had extended family there. Uncles, aunts and cousins are too numerous to list, but I would like to mention his Uncle Bill Welch and his cousin Kim Evans (Pepin) as well as his Uncle Bernie, Aunt Donna, and their boys who my dad spent time with hunting in the Ruby Valley and fishing at the cabin. All of you made my dad's life special.

My dad is survived by myself and my daughter Magdalena, whom he dearly loved with all his heart. He also leaves behind my brother Colt Baker and my mom Terishka Franco. Though my mom and dad divorced when I was young, each of them remained friends and dedicated to making me the person I am today. My dad loved and appreciated my mom until the day he died. Colt remained a son to him over the years even if it wasn't by blood. He also leaves behind my brothers children Everly and Grayson who are equally loved grandchildren to him. He loved nothing more than the title of Grandpa and would tell anyone who would listen about the three little humans my brother and I have been blessed to raise. He gave my brother and I a childhood full of adventurous memories outdoors that we will cherish forever and hope to pass down to our children and theirs after. My dad was always happiest in nature. He even would make sure to take the summers off of work just so he can take us on rivertrips. Nothing mattered more to him than time with family and the outdoors.

My dad is also survived by his parents Dr. John and Anne Marie Gallus of Butte as well as his siblings and lifelong friends, Dr. Pat Gallus of Butte and his children Mackenna and Brennen, Chris Gallus, his wife Cindy and daughter Talia of Helena and son Brodie, Geoff Gallus of Butte and his children Johna and Annie, Mary Monahan and her husband Joe and their children Caitlin (IK), Noah and Seth of Portland. Or., Melissa Tulp and her husband Frank of San Francisco, CA, and Steve Gallus and his son Charlie of Helena.

My dad especially loved his community up at St. Patrick's Catholic Church and admired Father Beretta.  He always spoke fondly of all of his friends there that loved him and I, as a daughter, cannot thank you all enough for loving and caring for my father. My dad had a deep passion for helping and loving other people and everyone who returned that love to him has a special place in our family's heart. Matthew 5:8 says "blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Although my father was not perfect, as none of us are, one thing that has remained apparent throughout his life was that his heart was big and it was pure and now he is resting with God. He loved everyone and he especially loved this little town Butte.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, February 7th at 1:30 PM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Butte, MT to celebrate Mike's life. All are welcome.