Force: Air Force
Steve Galigan, born on November 27, 1914, was the youngest of 4 boys of Nicolai and Iwana (Galacz) Galigan. The sons were: George (born in Smoky Lake AB), John, William (born 1912 in Pakan AB), and Steve. In 1930, Steve homesteaded a quarter of land (NW 1-78-24-5) and purchased a stationary machine grain grinder. In addition, he built a shingle mill, keeping his operation at his brother William’s place. Steve moved back to his homestead in 1934, but the following year he moved to Watino where he sold and serviced John Deer equipment. Meeting the local school teacher, Nielsine Hanson, they were soon married on July 10, 1936 in Peace River. While Nielsine continued teaching, Steve started a store pool room along with the John Deer business. This was sold in 1940. Steve then bought some land in Belloy AB. During the war years, he joined the Air Force, flying from Edmonton to Alaska and Northwest Territories, and other parts of Canada. Steve also served overseas in various countries, including Germany. Nielsine went with him and was able to teach English at the different countries. For his Search and Rescue operations on the Alaska Highway and other life saving events, Steve was awarded the British Empire Medal. The Belgian Government awarded him the Diploma of Honour. Steve remained a member of the Air Force until 1963, when he and his wife retired to Creston BC. In BC, Steve tried orchard farming. Nielsine died in 1985 after they moved to Aldergrove BC. Steve remarried to Helen (nee Wedel) Goertzen, and they had a pleasant retirement together. At age 87, Steve died on January 16, 2002. He is buried at the Culp Public Cemetery back in Alberta. There were no children with Steve and Nielsine. Helen died in 2019.
Source: Reflexion (Girouxville – Culp) pp. 952-954 Galigan history
Find a Grave – Memorials: Steve, Nielsine, Helen