A past member of Celo Pacific, Chris Gallup, has passed away. A memorial service
for him will be held Saturday, April 1st at his home in Westminster at 2:00PM
(Contact Richard Murphy for address if you wish to attend). For those of you who
cannot attend or new members who did not know Chris, he rode and raced with
Celo Pacific for many years and was Celo’s Race Director for the cyclocross races
held at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center and Museum in Orange County. The venue
was appropriate as it combined two of Chris’ great loves, cycling and art. Chris was
a professional artist and art teacher. Chris’ mother managed a bike shop in
Westminster, CA. and cycling was always a big part of his life. In general he loved
the outdoors and enjoyed surfing and camping. One of his true passions was fishing.
Whether it was at sea in Alaska or in a fresh water stream, Chris was happiest when
he had a fishing pole in his hand. He worked the past several summers as a fishing
guide in Alaska.
Chris was a great competitor and won more than his fair share of races. He was very
intense when competing but equally generous when helping his friends and
teammates reach their racing potential. After becoming friends with the Celo crew
at cyclocross racers, he joined Celo Pacific along with Lee Willmore, his longtime
friend.
Lee Willmore was Chris’ surfing coach when he was a student at Westminster High
School. Chris was a unique surf team captain. His zany dress and witty homeroom
announcements always kept students and teachers alike amused.
Chris leaves behind his sister, Cindy and her husband Tony and their two sons. In
addition, he is survived by his girlfriend, Christy and her two children.
Chris was 53, far too young. His death comes as a tragic and unwelcome surprise.
He will be missed.