NOTE: 12-16-2010 NEW PAGE ADDED.....Special Thanks to Ken
Bell who played in Jeff's band, Eliminator. Ken has loaded up
several video clips of Eliminator playing at the Lowell Show Boat!
Hope you enjoy. Those were great days! Ann Dear Friends of my brother
Jeff,
I want to thank each of you for taking time to sign Jeff's online guest
book.
In our hearts and memories we keep him. I am personally at the
point where
I can work on his site without getting overly depressed. I would
like to start adding
photos of Jeff's life.
(Prefer Jpeg format, no larger than 700 pixels wide and preferably less
than 200 DPI)
I would like to invite you to share any fond photos you may
treasure and would like to share with us to post on his
site.
Please e-mail
me first who you are, how you know Jeff and that you will
be sending me a photo.
Then send a second email with the photo. Sorry for the inconvenience,
but with
the internet being the way it is, I know you all understand.
Many Thanks and God Bless.
Ann M. (Galas) Rienks
November 10, 2006 |
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Most Recent post below...Just Posted
November 21, 2010
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Monday, October 24, 2011
MISS YOU LOTS LITTLE BROTHER. YOUR BIG BROTHER MIKE
Mike Galas mg1856 @ att.com
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November 21, 2010
Ann
I don't know if you remember me. I was in Ozz for about 6 months in
1980. I had heard about Jeff's passing about a year and a half
after it happened from a friend in Grand Rapids. I just found your
website about a month ago and in reading the guest book found that
Scott passed also. I hope Fred is doing well. I also just found
out thru Dave Pratt on Facebook that Greg Dolphin is also gone.
I have some pictures of my Ozz days and an article from the Grand
Rapids Press. Unfortunately, Jeff being the drummer he is in the
background.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Please say hello to Fred.
Jim Monastar
shamusdog12@yahoo.com
NOTE: Special Thanks to Jim for sharing the photos and article.
Visit the Photos Page to view the photos that Jim has shared with us.
Ann
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I've had the dream come true pleasure of playing with the BEST
road show ever, OZZ. We traveled all around Michigan and as far
as Texas. We were the Best of the Best, Jeff Galas one of the
most phenomenal drummers and one of the most all around great
guys you ever want to meet. Like a brother to all his friends, I
had the greatest time playing music and traveling with him,
never a dull moment. Jeff and I had a synchronism in the rhythm
section of band that was parallel to none. He was one of the
greatest drummers I've ever played with. Besides Jeff and I,
there was the so called Wizard of OZZ, Fred Galas, he took a
chance on me when he and his lovely wife Kathy came to see the
band I was playing in, in some little Podunk bar in Grand
Rapids. Fred was the brains and the booking agent for the band
and kept us busy all year. Fred played the keyboards like
Mozart; it was like second nature to him, he is one of the great
musicians of the Mid-west. Then there was one of the hottest
guitar players that I've seen in my 50 some years. A very good
friend of mine Macy Simpson, he was modest but he knew he had
lightning fingers, never missed a note and always had a smile on
his face as he graced the audience. And to round off the
greatest road show in the Mid-west, we were blessed with the
presence of the best sound and lighting engineers that Michigan
has ever produced. The two wizards that I speak of are very
mysterious, the sound engineers name is JK, cloaked in mystic JK
new sound and setting up sound systems like most people knew how
to change channels on there TV’s. He was a master of the
soundboard and gave the band the special edge to rise above the
rest. Last but not least the very special person that everyone
relyed on was Ziggy. Ziggy was the lighting engineer that
lighting wannabe’s aspired to be. He had an arsenal of lights;
colors, effects and most of all the best FIRE show ever.
People came from miles to see some of the special effect
Ziggy had under his sleeve. After having said all that, I want
to get back to the subject at hand, one of my best friends and
greatest drummers that I’ve ever seen Jeff Galas, he will
always be in my thoughts and in the numerous photos and great
sound tracks that I cherish of OZZ, To Jeff I will miss you.
Steve Tingley
Bassist
OZZ Band
August 10, 2009
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Well, I didn't really need to find this
site tonight, but I'm glad I did.
My name is Mark Emery and I have been friends with Jeff as long as I can
remember. I use to help him with his band and he is the reason I
started playing and writing music.
I will never forget you Jeffery Galas. You put the music in my
heart and it can never be removed.
YOUR FRIEND TILL THE END OF TIME...........
Mark Emery
November 9, 2006
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Hello,
My name is Ken Bell and I came across the page for Jeff recently. I
played in a band called Eliminator with him in the 80s.
Jeff gave me an opportunity that I will never forget and will forever be
grateful. I was sad when I came across the memorial page because one of
the things he seemed to have was more life than anybody around him;
always filled with energy and even though
he could get testy, I don't believe I ever saw him in a bad mood the
entire time I knew him.
We got to travel up and down the west coast of Michigan and I can look
back from my 40s and say those were definitely some of the most fun
times in my life.
I am sorry for your loss.
Ken Bell
September 18, 2006 SPECIAL NOTE TO KEN: October 8, 2006
Dear Ken,
I want to personally thank you for sending the DVD footage of Jeff's
band Eliminator. You guys were great! I can't tell you how
wonderful it was to hear Jeff's voice again and see him doing what he
loved and excelled at, playing music. I may be a bit bias, but his
talent on the drums, as a vocalist and as an over all musician was
enormous. My Dad, Sister Sue, Brothers Mike and Fred, myself,
thank you for so generously sharing your personal VHS footage with
us. Truly a gift. My own children and my great niece never
had the opportunity to see Uncle Jeff play Rock N Roll. Watching
your DVD of Eliminator was a thrill for them. Jeff had a great
relationship with the kids and there isn't a day that goes by that
they don't talk about him, especially when we listen to the radio.
Many thanks and God's Blessings to you and yours.
Sincerely,
Ann M. Rienks & Family
annrienks@aol.com
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Somehow I ended up at this webpage
today...
I was married to Steve Tingley for five
good years in the 80's.
We drove from Texas to Michigan to see the great Ozz!
Steve used to play with the band. On
that trip I met Fred, Kathy, Jeff,
and many other of Steve's old friends. I felt the love between
you then, and now so many years later I see it
here in this webpage. God bless you
all.
I still miss Steve..say hello to him if he
is still in your lives.
He had that same spark in his eyes
that I saw Jeff had.
Nancy Strait
November 22, 2004
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To the family & friends of Jeff,
I just heard today that Jeff & Scott had passed away. I was very
surprised and sad to hear this. I knew Jeff from OZZ and how he was
always very friendly to me and how he took my band "Eveready &
The Batterys" and helped us out getting gigs, etc. We were honored
to be able to play with OZZ at the Bavarian Inn at the last New Years
Eve party ever held there in 1980. That was very special for us. Thank
you Jeff, Fred, Rich & Scott again for that opportunity. Jeff, I
hadn't seen you in quite
some time but I'll remember your friendship forever. My prayers go out
to
your family & friends.
Sincerely,
Bill Van Ess
May 27, 2004
billvaness@juno.com
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With Love from
Robbin
Come to ME
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be,
So He put His arms around you and whispered,
"Come to Me"
With tearful eyes we watched you,
and saw you pass away,
and although we loved you dearly,
we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us,
HE only takes the best.
February 19, 2004 |
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Eriks
and Diane Rumbergs Denver CO
Caryn Paten (Rumbergs) Denver CO
February 5, 2004
JustJace1@aol.com
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My Dear Brother Jeff,
Today marks the 4th week of your passing. It seems like your are just away
somewhere, not really gone. There is not a day that does not begin or end
without the thought of you. Monday would be your 49th birthday.
I feel so very blessed to have had you for a brother and a friend. You
have given me memories I will treasure for the rest of my days. From when
you were my baby brother and we were children growing up on Lyon Street, to
sharing in your sorrow as you grieved the loss of your beautiful daughter
Andrea, and the heartache of your divorce, both at the same time.
The gift you gave us in your son Anthony. I know there will come a day,
when he has children of his own, that he will truly understand the
"Unconditional Love" only a parent knows. That is the way you
"Always" loved you son. I can say without any doubt, you were so
very proud of him and always loved him. He was one of your greatest gifts
to us. Through him, you live on.
There was never a dull moment with you. I remember one of our first
Christmas' at the farm. You picked up our big buffy goose, carried him
into the house and said, "When do we eat?" That poor goose, I
think he thought you were serious!
Then there is the gift of your music. Music is a gift from God, and you
were greatly blessed. From Rock, to Polkas, to Funk. You could play and
sing with the best of them, like you had played with them for years. Truly
a gift! Thank you for the gift of music you gave us when you sang at
Annie's wedding. It was through that gift we were able to hear your voice
again at your funeral singing, "In This Very Room." I will miss
the sound of "Life" in your drums, your wonderful voice, but
most of all I will miss your smile, the spark in your big brown eyes and
the warmth of your hugs. You were always genuinely glad to see family and
friends and gave so freely of yourself.
I will treasure the gifts of the heart you have given me. I never told you
how honored I was that you chose me as your primary patient advocate. That
was the ultimate gift of trust.
Thank you for sharing with me every day of your last week of life. I had
no idea at the time that we were so close to the end. We only had 42 days
from when you were diagnosed. I could not say, "Goodbye". I did not want you to ever think
I had given up hope. "Where there is life, there is always hope".
Thank you for the Christmas gift I treasure the most. When we came to see
you Christmas day, Cyndi bent over to give you a kiss. You opened your
eyes, looked at Ashley and said, "Hi Beautiful." I thought you
were just rolling over to get comfortable. You reached out to Ashley,
pulled her close to you, hugged her tenderly and called her,
"Ash."
Most of all dear brother, thank you for the gift of "YOU" and
your unconditional love. I miss you.
I know you are home safe in the arms of our Lord and that I will see you
again. That gives me comfort and peace. I know when it is my time, you
will come for me to show me the way home. I will look for your handsome
face. May God Bless and keep you in His tender care, until we meet again.
I Love you.
Your Sister,
Sue
Sue Campbell
(Clarksville, MI )
January 24, 2004
sue@appsells.com
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I was very taken when I heard of
Jeff's passing. In the time that I was involved with OZZ Jeff, Fred,
Mike were like brothers to me. Jeff and I had a lot of goodtimes
together and these will be the thoughts I'll always reflect on. Jeff
was always kind and thoughtful of others around him and always willing
to help. I think that will be the memories of Jeff others carry with
them. I'll never forget that huge smile, and those loud drums. Jeff,
you'll be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Galas family
and everyone who Jeff touched during his life.
Mike Dodge
January 15, 2004
mike@mikedodge.com
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Dear Jeff,
You were one of a kind. With an artist's temperment, you were often
misunderstood. I'll miss your passion for life and your sense of
humor. I'll miss your intense hazel eyes reaching into my soul.
You had such a strong appreciation and love for your family. I can
still see the way you beamed when you talked about Anthony. You would
say increduously, "Do you believe that I have such a great
kid?" Yes, we believe it.
I'm thankful that Betty was there for you. I know you loved her and as
you said, you were meant to be together.
Rest in peace, dear heart. XOX
Kath
January 6, 2004 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
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Jeff,
Although I never had the privilege to meet you, you have become very
dear in my heart through my sweet aunt, Susan Campbell. She requested
prayer for you and so, you were there in my heart and mind for all the
brief weeks of your illness. God bless your family and friends, and
may they know the peace that passes all understanding you are now
experiencing first hand.
Psalms 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in
the morning". We look forward to that eternal morning!
Patricia Garrett
(Lebanon, VA )
January 5, 2004
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Dear Jeff,
As a fellow musician and drummer, you were a great inspiration to me,
both as a player and a friend. You were the ultimate "live"
drummer, and watching you and Fred, Mike Dodge and Scott Johnson over
the years made me want to play and be a drummer in a
"Rock-n-Roll" band. Thank you for all the great memories and
gifts that you gave us all over the years. I will be a fan of yours
forever!
Brother in music-Thom Postema
Thom Postema
(Grandville, MI )
January 5, 2004
TPOS011994@aol.com
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We shall keep Jeff and his family
in our prayers.
Therese, Ron and
Rachel Cooper (Rockford, MI )
January 5, 2004
therese_cooper@quixtar.com
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With deepest sympathy, to my cousin Jeff.
Love Jan & Bob Becker
Robert & Janice
Becker (Hudsonville, MI )
January 2, 2004
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I did not know Jeff personally but
following his illness through my dear friend,
Ann Rienks, I feel he
has indirectly blessed my family. I will never again take anything for
granted, not one day nor one minute of this life. I am so sorry for
Jeff's family and friends and also sorry I did not have the privilege
to know him personally. Love and hugs,
Maggie
Maggie Mieske
(Evart, MI )
January 2, 2004
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As I sat in St. Isidore's Church
before the mass started, I had time to reflect on the things I
remembered about Jeff. I remembered him playing the drums while Uncle
Andy played the Accordian at our family get togethers at Diamond Hall.
My mom would always be requesting some "rock and roll". You
could count on Proud Mary being played and then Love Potion Number 9
would suddenly blend in at the end. I can remember Jeff's smile while
he played and the raspy sound of his voice as he sung for all his hip
aunties.
I can remember helping bartend for one of the graduation parties and
Jeff insisting that I do a shot of cognac with him. It sure went down
smooth. I could tell he enjoyed life's simple pleasures.
I enjoyed stopping to the Green Apple and listening to OZZ play to a
packed house and enjoyed the heat given off by those flashpots. Jeff
was always happy to see family at his gigs and never missed a chance
to talk to me between sets.
So many times people leave this Earth without the chance to say Thank
You, to express their feelings to loved ones, to help people in need,
to give something without expecting something in return. These are
qualities that Jeff led his life by. He will be sadly missed by
everyone that was touched by his life. Thank you Jeff for the memories
that I have of you.
James Karasiewicz
Jim Karasiewicz
(Coopersville, MI )
January 2, 2004
polishdawg@verizon.net
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To My Beloved Brother Jeff,
I miss you dearly. In reflection of your life thru photos with us,
with your friends and throughout your life, brought back fond memories
to me. You always looked out for me , escorted me safely to my car
where ever you were playing at. I always remember people telling you
how good you drummed, sang or performed. And you always said
"Thank You" with a humble smile. Your humility as a
performer is what drove you to the success you achieved. Because of
the respect that your friends had for you, they treated me with
respect, simply because I was your baby sister and they still do. Jeff
I know people sat in judgment of you on many occasions, but you had
the gift to accepted people for who they were, regardless of color,
race or creed. Proof of this was in the attendance at your wake.
In the privilege of planning and attending your wake, we opted for a
two day showing, because we knew you knew many people. I couldn't
believe the numbers of friends that came to pay you their last
respects. Each visitation built in numbers from the last to the
crescendo of the Rosary. Arsulowicz had to open the adjoining room for
additional seating which was full and people were standing in the
hallway outside both rooms. Man you can still pack them in. I counted
the number of signatures in your book and they totaled to just over
400. And you thought you had no friends.
Then came our final day to bid your handsome physical presence
farewell. I watched the people file past your casket. Cyndi, our niece
went to place a memento in your coat pocket, she told me later with a
grin that the first pocket she tried was full with notes and mementos
from others and the other pocket was equally as full. She did manage
to squeeze hers in along with the others.
And at your Funeral Mass, the opening song was you singing the song
you sang at my wedding, "In This Very Room". You left not a
dry eye. Our nephew Luke played a most poignant classical guitar piece
as Father Don prepared communion, you could feel his emotion come thru
the notes and when he placed his guitar down, he wiped the tears away
from his eye's. Your friend Pat Smith recited a beautiful poem about,
"Do not weep at my grave, as I am not there." And the
reading that our cousin Johnny read for your service, he read with
pride and worked hard to keep his tears in check. And Cyndi did us all
proud as she gave her tribute to you, pointing out that "your great
wealth couldn't be bought, but rather was present in this very room in the
love of family and friends. " and that "His greatest gifts in
his life were given to him through his children Anthony and Andrea whom he
loved with every ounce of his heart and soul." and "how lucky
you were to be loved so deeply by Betty who was at your side till your
last breath." She has my highest regard for her love, compassion and
devotion to you Jeff.
As Mass concluded and your casket moved to exit the church, we all
began to file out of our pews in procession behind you, I thought I
had the tears out of my system, until I looked to the back of the
church to see that you packed them in once again, the church pews were
full of those who loved you on this side of eternity. And my tears
came yet again at the significance that their presence sent tribute to
you dear brother. Can you imagine the pride that Mom and Dad felt at
the outpouring of love and support in your passing?
We waited in our cars below for your final ride to Holy Cross
Cemetery. And Jeff, you would be so proud to know that your best
friend Pat, who read the poem, lead the way on his awesome Harley
Davidson to your final resting place. The roar of his bike I'm sure
was heard on your side of eternity. The procession of cars to escort
you was over one mile long. I'm so proud of you Jeff. I and so many
others will sorely miss the fine presence of your company. God called
home one of the brightest stars of our family in you. But I know you
now have eternal life through Jesus Christ and that someday we will
meet again. And when my time comes, I will look for your face to
escort me over.
I love ya Jeff.
Annie
Ann (Galas) Rienks
(Clarksville, MI )
January 2, 2004
vintagefarm@arabianquest.com
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Jeff, It was only a few months ago
we saw you at U-Haul when moving Ryan. We had a great time talking
about the old days when we used to go and listen to you play in Ozz.
Little did we know it would be the last we would ever see you. You
were a class guy and we are lucky to have known you. We will miss you.
Jack & Marcee Kuzniak
Jack Kuzniak (Grand
Rapids, MI )
December 30, 2003
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JEFFERY,
AS I WRITE THIS, I CAN'T BELIEVE I FOUND YOUR NAME HERE. TODAY, WE
WENT THROUGH THOUSANDS OF PICTURES OF YOU, YOUR LIFE, AND THE PEOPLE
AND FAMILY WHO WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE IN THE PICTURES WITH YOU. I'VE
HAD SO MANY CALLS FROM FRIENDS WHO ALSO ARE HAVING TROUBLE BELIEVING
THEY TOO, HAVE LOST ONE WHO HAS TOUCHED THEIR LIVES WITH YOUR
UNFORGETTABLE GIFTS. JEFF, YOU ARE LOVED AND MISSED GREATLY, AS MY
BROTHER, AND MY FRIEND. THROUGH MY TEARS I CAN SEE YOU ARE MUCH BETTER
OFF, THAT GOD HAS CALLED YOU HOME. AS YOU USED TO SING, "WITH
CLOUDS IN MY EYES YOUR FOREVER". I LOVE YOU JEFFERY!
FRED
Frederick Galas (Grand Rapids,, MI )
December 28, 2003
fredozz@sbcglobal.net
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Hey Jeff, you were my soul brother
and best friend for lots of years. I have always remembered and
thought about you, and your gentle gift of friendship. It has been a
while but u will always be in my heart. We had a blast together for
alot of years, and that will be a part of my life forever. You were
always a good and loyal friend, and a true one of the pack! I will
always love you, Terri
Terri Bernott
(Napier) (Grandville, MI )
December 29, 2003
imtlb@aol.com
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Every time I seen Jeff play
locally, it was like he was playing in a concert. His conversations
were always a treat when running into him from time to time. Is all
that stuff really true? I wonder.
Best wishes Jeff...
Tony Balczak (Grand
Rapids, MI )
December 29, 2003
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Jeff was involved in a very
important time of my life. As soundman for his band "OZZ" I
was honored to be able to work with such an accomplished musician. We
became good friends over the years, and then life's changes sent us on
our own paths. I was fortunate to have been able to talk with Jeff a
few months ago and we had opportunity to reminisce old times. He gave
me no hint that he was having serious health problems, but then Jeff
never would. I will miss you Jeff.
To all of his family, my prayers are with you.
Best regards,
Jim (JK) Klomparens
Jim (JK) Klomparens
(Grand Haven, MI )
December 29, 2003
jkhorseman@novagate.com
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WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY, YOU ARE IN
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. THE GIRLS FROM TOWERS LAB.
SPECTRUMHEALTH
TOWERSLAB (GRAND RAPIDS, MI )
December 29, 2003 |
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