Gary Dennis Halloran

Gary Dennis Halloran, age 81, who was born and raised in the community of St. Thomas, MN, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2024, at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara CA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Gertrude (Brown) Halloran, and survived by his siblings: Margie Eischens (Gordon), Bruce (Cathy) Halloran, Rosanne Halloran, and Sheila Soukup (Jerry), and by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He graduated in 1960 from New Prague High School in New Prague, MN, and completed a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin/Madison in 1964. After serving in the US Army, Gary worked as a substitute teacher in several US school districts, and eventually settled in his favorite place, Santa Barbara CA. As Gary was happiest outdoors, he eventually chose to live unhoused and he sought outdoor jobs, including painting houses, an Alaskan fishery, a garden nursery, and many summers working at the MN State Fair. His nieces and nephews have fond childhood memories of the fun they had with him during his home visits.

He was interested in history, travel, local and world issues, sports, book collecting, movies and music. Gary loved people and enjoyed conversing about the topics of the day, and he wrote long, thoughtful letters to those who shared his interests. Following his father’s death in 1997, Gary came to MN and lived with his mother until her death in 2004. They enjoyed frequent visits with family and friends during this time. He returned to Santa Barbara shortly thereafter.

Gary expressed compassion for the homeless and often spoke of helping those around him. He never wavered from his lifestyle choice, a choice that was difficult for many who knew him to understand. In reflection of what he said and wrote, Gary held a basic, spiritual belief that; above all and within all our communities, we are here to be kind and to help each other.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thomas Catholic Church in St. Thomas, MN on Thursday, August 8 at 11:00 a.m., preceded by Visitation in the church at 10:00 a.m. Fr. Roger Hessian will officiate. Interment will be immediately after the service in St. Thomas Cemetery, followed by lunch at the KC Hall in New Prague, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.