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Galen Lacey

February 13, 2010

Galen Robert Lacey January 19, 1948 - February 13, 2010 Sixty-four year old antique art dealer Galen Lacey, who owned and operated Lacey's Antique Prints Gallery in Mount Vernon, died Saturday, February 13, 2010, after a long battle with heart disease. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 PM on Sunday, February 21st, at the Morgan Funeral and Cremation Choices Mount Vernon Chapel. It will be a celebration of Galen's life and will provide the opportunity for his many friends to remember him together. Galen is survived by his sister Julianne and her husband Sid Gregory of Denver, Colorado, three nieces and a nephew. He was predeceased by his older brother Stephen Lacey, of Mount Vernon, and his mother Claudine Lacey, of Portland, Oregon. Galen was born January 19, 1948, in Portland, Oregon, the second son of Wallace and Claudine Klum Lacey. He spent his childhood years in Portland but later lived in Boston, Dallas, Phoenix and Denver, before moving to Mount Vernon into the little house on 1st Avenue that he loved so much. After 16 years in Mount Vernon it was home; a town and community he loved and appreciated, and where he planned to spend the rest of his life. Galen had his master's degree in business and worked in a variety of professions in the timber industry, the financial industry and even as a leasing agent, before realizing that what he really wanted was to be independent and work for himself. He started his art business in Denver then moved it and himself to Mount Vernon. As his business grew so did his friendships with local area artists, and he developed a reputation for being "the one" to bring their artwork to for matting and framing. Galen was instrumental in coordinating arts activities in the Mount Vernon area and worked hard to promote the area's "art destination" reputation in his tenure as president of the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council. He also contributed to Chalk the Walk, the Lincoln Highway Arts Festival, and served on Mount Vernon's tourism board for 3 years. When Galen wasn't busy in his gallery he could be found in his kitchen, cooking. He loved making gourmet foods, especially East Indian cuisine, and was well known for his fresh cherry pies. He also enjoyed jogging through the community, manicuring his lawn and tending his fruit trees. Galen loved Mount Vernon, his little house and its art gallery, his great neighbors and his wonderful friends. He died knowing he was loved in return. Cards and condolences maybe mailed in Galen's honor, 315 1st Ave SW, Mount Vernon, Iowa 52314. On line condolences, www.morganfuneralchoices.net.

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  1. I first met Galen when I was politically active in the 2000 Presidential Campaign. He was on my “call list”. So, my first contact with him was not face-to-face, but I felt as if I got to know him from our phone conversations. I knew immediately that we had a lot in common. Some time later, I made a trip over to his shop to meet him in person. I was very impressed with Galen. Here was a man with immense talent and intellect. Galen was very community-minded, but his concern for humans was bigger than just caring about the local community. He cared about the fate of this country and the world. He was a man of conviction and of great courage, as we all witnessed in him after he endured the heart transplant. We will miss Galen. It is sad to think that his life journey was so brief. I feel I am a much better person for having known Galen for the relatively short time that I did. To Galen’s family, I extend my sincere sympathy for your loss. I hope Galen is in a place of great peace now, entirely free of pain or care.

  2. So sorry to hear about Galen. He was a courageous man who battled against all odds. He was always upbeat and positive. Our sympathy to his family during this difficult time.

  3. I’d been thinking about Galen and how we had lost touch the past few years and via google saw his obituary. Galen was such a dear, having met in cooking class and sharing so many laughs and conversations. I’m so sorry that I was unaware of his passing and will include him in my prayers. My love to Julie, Sid and family that he loved so much. Nikki


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